WHO? RSPB Sandwell Valley and the Community Forum

Hello and welcome to our first Community Forum e-newsletter! We thought we'd start with a little introduction to who we are.

RSPB Sandwell Valley is a a little bit of green paradise wedged between Birmingham and West Bromwich, in the north east corner of Sandwell Valley Country Park. Not only is it the perfect place to come and see a bullfinch or lapwing, it's also great for families and people of all ages and abilities.

View of RSPB Sandwell Valley
from Nature's Reach visitor centre (Jenny Stevens)

We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who keep the reserve spick and span, while always improving it for nature and visitors. You can see all sorts of different wildlife throughout the year, with great numbers of wading birds, wildfowl and woodland birds; butterflies and moths; creepy crawlies and even the odd mammal. To find out more about RSPB Sandwell Valley CLICK HERE!

Little Ringed Plover at RSPB Sandwell Valley (Andy Purcell)

Our shiny visitor centre, Nature's Reach, opened in July 2015, made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. From there you can watch our ever-busy bird feeders, pick up a pond dipping kit, find out about recent sightings and grab a hot drink and snack.

School Group birdwatching at Nature's Reach.

And that's where the community forum comes in. It was set up when plans for the new centre were confirmed, with the intention of giving local people, volunteers and staff a chance to have a say in the day to day running of the centre and where it's headed. It's role is to input ideas and suggestions for improvements and help with strategic decisions. In addition, the forum works closely with staff and volunteers to increase awareness of the site and ensure the local community uses the reserve. The forum is open to anyone who uses the site (or would like to) and is interested in what we do. So please please get in touch if you'd like to get involved (please see contact details below).

Opening of Nature's Reach at Residents' and Local Community Launch Event.

Our current forum members all use the site regularly and are passionate about it's upkeep and it's future. We thought we'd ask a few of them to tell you what they love about RSPB Sandwell Valley and what it means to them...

"This is a lovely refreshing place to walk and reflect. It also has an interesting array of plants, birds and wildlife that makes walking around the reserve an enjoyable experience."

- Winsome, community forum member and local resident.

"I love RSPB Sandwell Valley because it brings the feeling of being in a rural area to an urban town. It is wonderful to be able to walk and sit in such beautiful settings located right on my doorstep."

- Lorna, community forum member and local resident.

"What does RSPB Sandwell Valley mean to me?

R - Riotous change in colour with the
S - Seasons.
P - Public appreciation of the
B - Birds and the
S - Scenic views from the
V - Visitor centre."

- Roy, community forum member, RSPB Sandwell Valley volunteer and local resident.

"I love that RSPB Sandwell Valley is this little green space in the middle of an urban jungle, with huge personality! It's perfect for all ages and interests, with so many activities running each year. The various wildlife that visits is incredible considering the location and the community spirit and passion for nature among staff and volunteers is inspiring. Whether you're a keen birder or struggle to tell your blue tit from your great tit, you'll be welcomed. What's not to love?!"

- Jenny, community forum member and Connecting People & Nature Intern.

"It may sound odd, but my favourite thing about Sandwell Valley is probably the people who donate their time and talent to us. Our huge team of volunteers (120+!) know everything there is to know about all of the feathered, buzzing, creeping-and-crawling, furry and colourful residents of this nature reserve, and will always stop to inform and enthuse you about the abundance of wildlife here!"

- Lucy, community forum member and Community and Volunteer Development Officer. 

Want to know more and get involved? Email lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings and upcoming events by finding RSPB Sandwell Valley on social media. Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Recent Sightings - February/March 2016

The big story so far of 2016 has undoubtedly been the very early return of a little ringed plover. First spotted on Monday 22 February, it was the first to be seen in the Midlands and possibly the whole of the UK. This is the earliest, by far, that one has reached us, normally arriving around mid March. We're pleased to say that the female has now been joined by another. Fingers crossed they make use of the new gravel pits installed by volunteers!

Another very early returning regular is our one footed oystercatcher who is back for her 8th year, along with a mate, who arrived shortly afterwards. The great crested grebes have started their courtship, while a pair of little grebes were seen on the river on Tuesday 23 February and more recently on Forge Mill Lake.

It was great to hear a redshank had been spotted from the hide on Sunday 13 March, however it has been elusive since.

Ducks include goosander, gadwall, wigeon, teal, shoveler, pochard, tufted and goldeneye. Snipe have been spotted from the hide on most days with akingfisher making the odd appearance. There have also been sightings of water rail reported, most recently on Saturday 12 March.

Various birds of prey have been spotted including buzzards, a sparrowhawk, kestrel and a peregrine from the hide.

From Nature's Reach, the bird feeders have been really busy, with lots of different birds making an appearance during National Nest Box Week. Notably, lesser redpoll feeding from the window boxes, both willow tits and marsh tits on the cage table and hanging feeders. Not to mention, 2stonechat spotted in the marsh area on Saturday 5 March.

Stay tuned for more arrivals in the coming weeks!

Jenny (Connecting People and Nature Intern)

Image credits: Little ringed plover, Ben Hall; grebe, Chris Gomersall; goldeneye, Ben Hall; stonechat, Ben Hall (all www.rspb-images.com)

Easter at RSPB Sandwell Valley

Wanted

 Property for sale or to let for Sandwell’s local wildlife.

We have lots of two legged, four legged, feathered, furry, and scaly friends that are all looking for accommodation.

Can you help us?  We are looking for enthusiastic landlords, who are willing to let out a bit of their green space with bug hotels, nest boxes, and wildflower patches, to house our wonderful creatures and help wildlife in the Midlands.

Eleanor Bentall (www.rspb-images.com)

Join us at RSPB Sandwell Valley on Bank holiday Monday 28 March between 11 am and 3 pm and take part in the ‘Give Sandwell Nature A Home’ project.

Our new wildlife garden will be open for everyone to come and explore. See examples of all the homes you could create for nature; have a go at mini projects to help wildlife; make lots of fun builds to take home; meet our wildlife gardening experts, who will be on hand with free advice and the top tips on how to help wildlife in your garden.

Pledge your promise to create a residence for wildlife in your own green space and increase the size of our reserve.

No matter whether you have a few flowerpots, a balcony or a big garden, we’ve got activities to suit you and help Give Sandwell Nature a Home!

Eleanor Bentall (www.rspb-images.com)

Butterflies, Bugs and Easter Eggs

But that's not all! Over Easter families will be able to take part in our egg-shellent Butterflies, Bugs and Easter Egg Event. Egg trails, scavenger hunts and a whole host of fun nature activities are taking place every open day during the Easter school holidays.

Trails will be available between 10 am - 4 pm Wednesday - Sunday from Friday 25 March - Sunday 10 April.

Trails cost £2 per child, no need to book!

Eleanor Bentall (www.rspb-images.com)

Wild Wedensdays

This year every Wednesday in school holidays we will be holding our Wild Wednesday Nature days, from Easter.

Each week there will be a different theme to the day including guided pond dipping, den building, natural scavenger hunts and many more hands-on activities.

Bring a picnic, and enjoy our natural playground across the reserve.

RSPB Members - £4 per child
Non-Members - £5 per child

Eleanor Bentall (www.rspb-images.com)

For more information on any of our upcoming events email alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk or call Nature's Reach on 0121 357 7395

Keep up to date with the latest goings on at RSPB Sandwell Valley by liking our Facebook page HERE and following us on Twitter HERE.

A Day in the Life of... Andy White, Visitor Centre Volunteer

To celebrate how brilliant our volunteers are and give you a behind the scenes peek of life at RSPB Sandwell Valley, we're starting a series of blogs written by our volunteers about them and their roles at Sandwell.

First up is Andy White, who you'll find in the visitor centre on Wednesday afternoons. Andy's a cracking member of the team and his enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious so make sure you say 'hello' if you pop in and see him...

I suppose I was always destined to spend more time on Sandwell Valley once I had retired. After all, my ancestors were shepherds here 200 years ago, and for the past 60 years I have almost always lived right on the edge of this green oasis at the centre of our bustling conurbation.

As a child, my friends and I would roam the valley on summer days, building dens and playing Akee-123, only returning home for food. Latterly, as a parent, I have brought up a family enjoying all that the valley has to offer in respect of its history, recreation and most importantly its wildlife.

Therefore, when I finally decided to retire a couple of years ago, and I needed to fill my days, I needed to look no further than over the road to Sandwell Valley.  Initially, I just spent more time walking, running or cycling. It’s perfect for that.  But actually I felt I wanted to be more involved and became concerned over protecting the valley for its people and its wildlife.  So it was that I started to volunteer at the RSPB.

Currently I volunteer at Nature's Reach Visitor Centre for a half day each week. When it’s quiet, I get to spend a lot of time watching the many different birds on the bird feeders just outside of the window.  But when it’s busy I really enjoy talking about the valley and birds with the visitors who come in for information, a cup of tea or a warm-up on cold days.

I have seen huge changes in the valley over my life time, from the degraded scrubland and industrial landscape of the 1960’s, to the beautiful managed reserve we see today, and although I know it well I am still discovering something new each time I visit.  It’s a fantastic place and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Andy

Andy White, Visitor Centre Volunteer

Thank you Andy! If you like the sound of welcoming visitors to the centre, and spending some time chatting with other nature enthusiasts, we have a vacancy for this role on Saturdays and Sundays. To find our more information and to apply please get in touch with alex.sharrod@rspb.org.uk or call the office on 0121 357 7395. 

Jenny, Connecting People and Nature Intern

Guest Blog - Sandwell Swan, Alex

Our Sandwell Swans met up for their monthly activities on Saturday 16 January. They took a trip to the hide and then painted a photo of something wild they'd seen. We asked Sandwell Swans regular, Alex, to write a short blog on his day at RSPB Sandwell Valley...

"Today I enjoyed painting a picture of a blackbird on canvas with an artist. I also enjoyed walking around the reserve.

From the hide today I saw two coots walking on water and I really enjoyed watching them. I think the hide is a very nice place to see nature. Also I saw a fox walking just outside the window!

The nature is wonderful here and I will definitely visit again."

Alex Jefferson-Stokell, age 12.

Blackbird by Alex Jefferson-Stokell

Find out more about Sandwell Swans and when they're next meeting in our most recent programme.

Reflection Garden - A Community Project

Sharp eyes on the reserve will have noticed there have been some changes at the entrance to the reserve, between the den building area and the wildlife garden. Bits have disappeared and it's gradually being cleared. But why, you may ask.

As part of our commitment to The Heritage Lottery Fund, each year we take on a project that involves members of the local community. Project ideas are generated at a quarterly community forum meeting, attended by local people and anyone who uses RSPB Sandwell Valley (please see more details on the community forum below!) This year the site team and forum members suggested that this area of overgrown scrub could be transformed into a reflection garden. A quiet space for reflection and a new area to discover nature on the reserve.

Ben Iddon, RSPB volunteer garden superhero, is leading the quest to make this space perfect. Along with support from various local groups, first and foremost, students from the George Salter Academy. This friendly bunch visit us every Wednesday afternoon and have been working their socks off, as part of a Duke of Edinburgh award. Please stop and say hello if you see them hard at work, they're doing a cracking job.

Duke of Edinburgh students, RSPB Sandwell Valley

We have a number of other groups hoping to take part in the project with various plans for tree planting, sculptures and work party days. The space will have a 'cottage garden' theme and other ideas include a bench, water feature and incorporation of edible plants and fruit trees so the local community can really dig in.

If you'd like to get involved, have a suggestion of a group who might like to be or ideas for design features, we'd love to hear from you. Drop into the visitor centre or email lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk

A Little More on the Community Forum

We're always looking to find how we can make RSPB Sandwell Valley a great place for the local community and visitors from further afield. The community forum was set up with the intention of giving local people the opportunity to have a say in the general running, improvements, events and projects of the reserve. Its aim is to encourage visitors by developing activities and events and making sure it is accessible, both practically and through better local understanding of what is on offer. The forum is open to anyone who uses the site and is interested in what we do. If you'd like to get involved, attend forums and tell us how we can make Sandwell Valley better, we'd love to hear from you.

To find out more email lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk

Jenny Stevens (Connecting People & Nature Intern)

'Walk It Off' New Year Guided Walk - Bird Watching for All

Despite the thundering rain right through the wee hours of this morning, we had a cracking turnout for our first monthly guided walk of the year. And thankfully the weather decided to be kind.

Expert volunteers Colin Sedgwick and Alastair Hughes-Roden guided us, whilst I happily tagged along with the visitors. We set off through the wildlife garden, seeing only a dunnock, a few woodpigeons and hearing a robin. We weren't to know the reserve had plenty more in store for us.

Teal (Andy Hay www.rspb-images.com)

We walked along the Tame, keeping keen eyes on both the river and Forge Mill Lake, and quickly the birds obliged. We had helpful hints from Colin on how to tell our teal from our shoveller and our gadwall from our goosander, with glimpses of great crested grebe and a sparrowhawk along the way. The lapwings were pretty and plentiful, as always, and we played 'Where's Wally?' with the snipe on the bank of the island. We also discovered that the rumours about Stumpy the one footed oystercatcher returning to Sandwell early this year, were true.

Oystercatcher (Tom Marshall www.rspb-images.com)

After a fantastic close up of a goosander making it's way downstream, we headed to the hide to hang out with the cormorants, being serenaded by a song thrush along the way. Along with those who'd already obliged our binoculared gaze, we were treated to a dancing grey wagtail and a kingfisher flying along the bank, most helpfully, in line with the lake's numbered posts. Not to mention, an important looking grey heron.

Kingfisher (Mike Richards www.rspb-images.com)

On returning to the visitor centre, we sipped our hot chocolate and took a seat to enjoy the bird feeder show. Great tits and blue tits, goldfinches and greenfinches, long tailed tits and coal tits, reed bunting and jays, bullfinches and chaffinches. All topped off with perhaps the cutest of them all, a willow tit.

Snipe (Tom Marshall www.rspb-images.com)

For anyone new to starting a 'bird list' for 2016 (such as myself), it was a pretty brilliant start to the year. And the knowledge and enthusiasm Colin and Alastair have is infectious, making bird watching exciting and enjoyable for adults, experts, children and even for amateurs like me.

In total, we saw 45 different species of bird along the way. Here is a list of every single one of them...

Dunnock
Robin
Magpie
Woodpigeon
Carrion crow
Black headed gull
Shoveller duck
Teal
Greenfinch
Coot
Moorhen
Gadwall
Great tit
Blue Tit
Cormorant
Grey heron
Lesser black backed gull
Great crested grebe
Sparrowhawk
Mallard
Lapwing
Oystercatcher
Goosander
Pochard
Wren
Grey wagtail
Wigeon
Snipe
Tufted duck
Canada geese
Mute swan
Muscovy duck
Pied wagtail
Starling
Kingfisher
Reed bunting
Bullfinch
House sparrow
Song thrush
Chaffinch
Long tailed tit
Coal tit
Jay
Goldfinch
Willow tit

If you like to get outside and fancy knowing a bit more about the winged creatures you might see and hear, our monthly guided walks are a brilliant introduction to birds and the local area. They run from Nature's Reach visitor centre on the first Saturday of every month, starting at 10 am. It's just £3 for RSPB members and £5 if you're not a member.

Blue tit (Ben Hall www.rspb-images.com)

Our next walk, Winterwatch Walk, is coming up on Saturday 6 Feburary and you can find more details out about it HERE. 

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and we hope to see you at Sandwell Valley soon.

Jenny Stevens (Connecting People and Nature Intern)