New work party at Hollybed

Sunday 3rd was our Taster Day at Hollybed Reserve. We had a strong turnout in beautiful weather and got to work putting up bird nest boxes. Our new volunteers managed the smaller ones really well but the huge owl boxes tested even the most experienced of us. By lunchtime we had them all in place.

After lunch we did a tour of the reserve led by myself, the volunteer reserve manager and I described our plans for our future development of the reserve and explained some of the work we have already completed.

We spent the rest of the afternoon coppicing an area overgrown by blackthorn trees to let more light into an area on the edge of the reserve.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who took part in the day, including many who have already completed valuable survey work and know the reserve quite well. Please come back and join us for our next day at Hollybed in Sunday December 1st when we will be planting new fruit trees in the old orchard.

Andrew, Hollybed reserve manager

Urban Wildlife

We're really looking forward to Brian Draper's talk to South Birmingham local group tonight.  This ever-popular speaker will be talking about the hidden wildlife of a city - a subject close to many of us on the urban fringes of Birmingham.

Tonight is also a great opportunity to come along and find out more about the group.  The current committee members are standing down in April after many years.  We're looking forward to supporting a new team of people to take over the organising of indoor talks and running of the group ... but we need you to be part of that new team.  If you've got a few hours a month to spare and think you can help out then please get in touch.  We need everything from a chairman for the group to people to help out at the talks themselves.  You don't need to know an awful lot about wildlife, you just need to have the enthusiasm to help run a group and spread the word.

Our talk tonight starts at 7.30pm at Dame Elizabeth Hall on Oak Tree Lane in Bournville.  Some of the current committee members will be there to chat about the roles.  Or you can call Wendy or Zoe at Lower Smite (Mon-Fri 9-5) on 01905 754919.  Or check out our website for more information about the roles.

We're looking forward to hearing Brian and perhaps meeting one or two of you tonight!

Pat, South Birmingham local group

Committee members needed

I joined the committee of Worcester local group a couple of years ago. I was a bit nervous about joining but there really was no need to be. Our committee meetings are held about 4 times a year and always provoke interesting ideas and debates! We’ve organised (and enjoyed!) bird-watching walks, cream tea cruises, interesting talks and much more.

With a couple of our committee members due to step down we’re now on the look out for others to join our team. However much or little time you have to spare is always gratefully received and no particular skills are required as there’s such a wide variety of ways you can get involved. I generally give a few hours of my time each month and these are easily fitted around my full-time work and other commitments.

In the relatively short time I’ve been involved with the group I’ve made lots of friends, discovered new places, learnt many new things and, perhaps most importantly, has the satisfaction of knowing I’m doing my bit to help support the Trust’s invaluable work.

If you’re interested in helping out on the Worcester committee (I believe Bromsgrove and South Birmingham are also recruiting new committee members) please get in touch with Zoe Stevens on 01905 754919 or zoe@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org.