Well done to the team from NIQ who made unbelievable inroads into shrubbery that has been obscuring graves for the last 10 to 15 years.
Well done to them all and we hope to welcome them again to assist us in this never ending task.
FINAL REMINDER, SATURDAY 30TH MARCH 1pm-3pm- This Saturday the 30th March we will be holding a Gardening Session to try and clear some more Brambles and self set Holly in the Cemetery. Unlike our usual sessions that target large areas of mature Holly and Ivy, we are concentrating on areas where we represent no risk of disturbing nesting birds.
We will meet at the Cross of Sacrifice at 1pm and helpers are free to spend as much or as little time as they wish on site but we will be completing our work by 3pm to allow for the closing of the site at 4pm. We have the tools and some heavy duty gloves but would advise that you wear heavy duty footwear and warm clothing. We will be moving away from the area of the Cross but should be visible in our High Viz. If we are not there, try turning left at the WW1 memorial, passing the fenced area and looking to your right.(Section 38RC)
This map may help.
If you visit the cemetery and look at the Friends notice board, on the left as you enter, you will see a poster for the Rest and Reflect Trail and a QR code that enables you to download it on to your phone. If you prefer you can download it here and print your own version.
Today was the launch of this trail which invites you to stroll and rest a while ion one of the benches in the beautiful surroundings of the cemetery. Why not download it and pop in on a sunny day? This is a new project planned by Suze Carter but if people are interested then the Friends intend to expand the choice of routes and the reasons to walk/stroll/run/cycle around this 53 acre site. Brandwood End is a wonderful calm, quiet, green site which is packed with trees, wildlife and views but has the added benefit of over 100 benches.
Such a shame we couldn’t take any photos in the cemetery tonight after the sudden snow storm but here is the next best thing! These few photos were taken, by a local resident, around the adjacent Brandwood Pool site.
(Thank you Melany)
Maybe we will get some more snow tomorrow during cemetery opening hours?
Munjac Deer have been making themselves known in and around the area of the cemetery and the pool. They were heard more than seen a lot in the past, but sightings have been rare of late. The deer you can see in the picture below is a Roe deer and is considerably larger with a longer neck and a distinctive white rump- but several years ago one of these was spotted and photographed in the cemetery by Dean our Ranger. How it got there, we have no idea but it is unlikely we will see one again! (The female does not have the antlers that appear here)
The Muntjac is much smaller, similar size to a Labrador dog, and can be recognised in the cemetery at night by it’s distinctive single ‘bark’. In the last week there have been close encounters during daylight with one by Brandwood Pool and also in the cemetery. Wildlife is enjoying lockdown, with reduced footfall making them more inclined to be about in daylight hours in this relatively urban area. Lets hope someone can get a photo of one ……but they are very quick!
It’s not very often that you can get into Brandwood End Cemetery at night…..but tonight was the night! Great bat walk from Jasmin Fields to Brandwood Pool via the cemetery. All ages, and many new to the whole walk route, despite being local.
Thanks to Chris from Brum Bats and Ranger Dean for giving up their own time for this event. 30+ people, lots of bats and an amazing Tawny Owl made it worth it!
We hope that tonight’s adventure encourages people to visit all three sites again and be aware of the amazing natural spaces on their doorsteps.
If, as a result of tonight site visits, we could encourage anyone to be involved in litter picks or work parties to help Ranger Dean keep these sites accessible and welcoming to the public, please e mail us with your contact details on ‘friendsofbec@gmail.com’ We can then add you to the mailing list or maybe consider joining the ‘Friends’ via this web site.
Tomorrow, Sunday 6th December, sees the last litter pick of 2015 in Brandwood End. Please come along and support us if you can. 
The windy weather means that there will be plenty of litter blowing about! Meet at the Lodge at 10am. Pickers etc will be provided but stout footwear and gloves are recommended.
If you happen to pass through Brandwood End Cemetery this week, you may well see members of the Friends and volunteers placing some 350 + poppy crosses. Each War Grave in Brandwood End is marked every year by the placing of a poppy cross on it. A large grid ‘poppy cross cemetery’ is also formed on the grassland adjacent to the Cross of Sacrifice on the Main Drive- to give an impression of the large numbers of those buried within Brandwood End who have lost their lives in wars around the globe.
Please pause for a moment after Remembrance Sunday to read the information placed near the ‘poppy cemetery’.
Remembrance Sunday information is to follow this article.
FBEC joined with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust and the Park Rangers to organise a family event based around Hedgehogs. Despite on and off rain, nothing distracted all the mums and dads and children from enjoying the activities. Watch this space for news of further events centred around Hedgehogs and Brandwood End Cemetery. Well done Rachel and Jan for keeping the 25+ children and 12+ adults occupied!! The children spent a lovely afternoon bug hunting and hedgehog habitat spotting as well as drawing or making their own hedgehogs.
Half term is nearly here and the Friends of Brandwood End, supported by Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust and the Park Ranger Service and holding a Hedgehog Day during Wild About Gardens week at Brandwood Pool on Tuesday the 27th October from 2-4pm (The pool lies at the bottom of the cemetery site or access via Whittington Close B14 6JW)
Come and discover more about these favourite creatures and how to make your garden Hedgehog friendly. Fun for all the family with bug hunting,crafts and lots more!
We also want your views on our proposed project to survey the Cemetery and create improved habitats for Hedgehogs.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.