Author: Jane Edwards

Benches and Hedges in the Civilian Garden

Those of you that visit our Civilian Garden of Remembrance, and enjoy its peace and calm can’t fail to have noticed that the Hedge has had a major spurt following our recent downpours. We are not able to cut the hedge at this time as DEFRA and RSPB instructions say that hedges should not be cut during the nesting season (March to September). We know that there are a number of small nests in our mature hedge so we will not be cutting it till the end of the summer. This hedge was planted by local school pupils essentially as way of increasing habitat and biodiversity, and also  to create privacy in the Civilian Garden area. It may look untidy at this time but it is supporting lots of local wildlife.

Our benches  in the garden are in frequent use and showing their age so we have made a decision to have them properly refurbished. At some time this year they will be removed, refurbished and returned but this is a costly experience so we need to make sure that we find the right company to undertake the work.  We welcome quotes via our e mail friendsofbec@gmail.com   There is a photograph of one bench  below. There are a total of 2 benches, both in similar condition. We want the existing finish stripping down and then oiled, not varnished. (To make future maintenance easier.)

Armed Forces Day- 26th June 2021

Such a shame that very little information seemed to have been circulated about Armed Forces Day.

The usual larger events had obviously been cancelled due to Covid restrictions, but it appears that much of the press also failed to highlight the day- which fell yesterday the 26th June. Lets hope that 2022 will see it  more widely in the spot light.

If you follow this link to the Royal British Legion site you will find some interesting and entertaining information.

 

Hedgehogs to the forefront again!

As our followers may remember, a couple of years ago we joined with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust to undertake a project to survey the cemetery for Hedgehogs and increase suitable habitat, both in the cemetery and the surrounding gardens. We also organised the installation of a ‘Hedgehog information board’ on the main drive.

We are pleased to announce that we are hoping to work with a local Hedgehog rescue to continue our work to encourage Hedgehogs to visit the cemetery and the local green spaces at Jasmin Fields Nature Reserve and Brandwood Pool.  Watch this space !

 

 

…and the rain it raineth!!

Todays litter pick was something of a wet affair as the heavens not only opened, but stayed open for the duration!

Our thanks to the 15 stalwarts (plus 2 children) that turned out and collected 15 bags of litter- The cemetery is a better place for your efforts.  This litter pick fell within ‘Great Spring Clean’ week, a campaign started by Keep Britain Tidy.  I think supporters of FBEC certainly did their bit in adverse conditions. Annoyingly the sun appeared later in the day!