Category: Community

Our Community Film Maker working with local schools

As part of our Help for Hedgehogs campaign we have engaged a Community Film Maker to work in local schools, enabling pupils to make their own film record of the project. This initial meeting helped introduce pupils to the equipment they will be using. Quite a lot of theory before they get their hands on the equipment!20161018_13474520161017_121721

What a great day today!

What a marvelous ‘Help for Hedgehogs’  event we had today with over 80 people visiting to listen to Ranger Jan and Wildlife Trust’s Emma as they explained how to attract, feed and help hedgehogs whilst they are preparing for hibernation.20161025_151654Visitors had lots to occupy them, with facts and information on how to make a Hedgehog home,and the chance to take a Hedgehog house away with them. Above you can see Ranger Jan, Mrs Tiggywinkle’s friend (Julia) and James. 20161025_140711 20161025_135900

Visitors could help build a ‘house’ on site (Ably assisted by one of our local Councillors!)and then enjoy a walk with the Rangers to place the Hedgehog houses in suitable positions around the cemetery. For smaller visitors there was a story time room where ‘Tales of Pricklebum’ were read by a friend of Mrs Tiggywinkle and Ranger Jan.

20161025_14423320161025_141714The Friends would like to thank BBCWT (Emma and James) the Rangers (Jan and Dean) Volunteers from AMEY and SHED and Councillor Leddy for helping to make this event such a success. Even we were surprised at the number of people who showed a genuine interest in the plight of local Hedgehogs and were determined to try and make their own gardens more hedgehog friendly. We hope to see everyone again at our February half term event so watch this page for information.

Our thanks to the National Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund who have made this all possible. Without their Grant we couldn’t run these events!

Last Family ‘Hedgehog’ event in 2016

Today is our last Hedgehog awareness event in support of our Heritage Lottery backed ‘Help for Hedgehogs’ campaign. Now the weather has started to get colder, our Hedgehog friends are getting ready to settle down into their annual hibernation phase. Our event today at 2pm today  is your last chance to get some advice on how to help your local Hedgehogs prepare for the winter. We will have advice on Hedgehog homes (how to make them or where to buy them), what to feed them and how to make their lives a little easier. The Hedgehog is now in serious decline.

unnamedRanger Service and Wildlife Trust staff will be on hand to offer advice today at Brandwood End Cemetery 2pm till 4pm. They want to know if you have seen one lately .

Can we remind you that this cemetery is still in use so please show respect to those who may be visiting graves, and also advise you that the gates will close immediately after the event at 4pm, so please make sure you leave straight after the event.

Fantastic way to spend an afternoon!

Our thanks to Ranger Dean who took a large group of us for a very civilised stroll around Brandwood End, in the glorious dappled sunlight! Along the route he pointed out interesting views and colourful trees as well as regaling us with some interesting stories about his time as a Gravedigger in the Cemetery!

20161020_144624Unfortunately the bulk of the trees have not yet taken on their amazing Autumn hues so he encouraged everyone to return in a few weeks to see the riot of colour that is Brandwood End in the Autumn. Despite this, everyone thoroughly enjoyed their insight into this green space and its fantastic tree stock.

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On behalf of FBEC can I thank the anonymous lady for her donation and encourage everyone to pop along and experience ‘Autumn sunshine in Brandwood End’.

 

 

Family event in Half Term

Just a reminder that our next family Hedgehog event will be happening in the cemetery next Tuesday 25th October 2-4pm. Meet by the Lodge. hedgehog2URGENT NOTE

Can we also make an appeal for donations of unopened cans of cat and dog food for the local Hedgehog Rescue Centre as they are running short of food!! Please bring them to the event.

Hedgehog Project launched in local schools

Emma, from Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, has been busy launching our Help for Hedgehogs campaign in our local schools. The pupils have been so enthusiastic and both schools are keen to create Hedgehog habitat and homes on their sites. Well done to everyone concerned!

20161017_114650 Rachel, our Community Film Maker, is also working with smaller groups of pupils at both schools, as they will be making a short film for us to show the work that everyone has undertaken. The pupils have taken to using the filming equipment like ‘ducks to water’!! 20161018_095102

Half Term Family ‘Hedgehog’ event.

Come along to the cemetery between 2-4pm on Tuesday 25th October to the second of our Family ‘Help for Hedgehog’ events, sponsored by the National Lottery and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust and the Parks Ranger Service will be showing you how to make your own hedgehog home for this winter and improve local habitat. For more information follow the link below.

www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/help-hedgehogs

As part of a local survey we need to know:Have you seen a hedgehog locally?
Where did you see it? When did you see it? Come along and tell us your tales or contact our local Ranger, Jan Tomlinson on                                                        0121 675 0937, e mail jan.tomlinson@birmingham.gov.uk