Category: Environment

A new tree in Diamond Woodland

On Saturday the 12th of December you will find members of the committee of the Friends planting a tree in the Diamond Woodland area opposite to the Lodge to commemorate their 10th year as a Friends organisation.

Saturdays get together will be low key as we are having to meet early at 9.30 to carry out this planting, but we will be having an official  event in the slightly warmer spring weather when the tree should be starting to wake. Members or anyone with an interest is welcome to join us on Saturday. We should be on site between 9.30 and 10am.

We will be planting a Alnus incana Aurea  (Golden Alder) in the Diamond Woodland area. This beautiful tree will offer colour and interest all year round.

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Last minute reminder for tomorrows litter pick!

Tomorrow, Sunday 6th December, sees the last litter pick of 2015 in Brandwood End. Please come along and support us if you can. 20140301_112004The 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.

 

Family Hedgehog Event

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.IMG_0025 (800x600)

 

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Family Hedgehog Event

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)

hedgehogCome 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.

Hedge gets ‘short back and sides’ ……again!

One of our members pointed out that the hedge surrounding the Civilian Garden of Remembrance had suddenly shot up….despite being cut well back in June so three of the Friends took the shears to the top on Saturday morning! It looks a little better now. We hope to do its final cut just before the Remembrance Day event, so it looks spick and span that day so we will be appealing for assistance nearer that time.

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Whilst on site we gave the new hedge, surrounding the adjacent War Graves, a quick cut as well but it hasn’t started to thicken up yet. We are still always looking for people who visit the cemetery and have spare time to weed under the hedge on both sites. What needs doing is fairly obvious!

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Local Bat Walk via Cemetery

Quick reminder….Bat Walk with ‘Brumbats’ on this Thursday evening the 10th. Starts from farm gate to Jasmin Fields on Bayston Road,ends at Brandwood Pool. 7pm for instructions and then leaving towards canal across Jasmin Fields. Wrap up warm, stout footwear- bring a torch!!
Please let Dean the Ranger know if you want to come.0121 675 0937. Under 16’s must be supervised.

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Final litter pick reminder!

Quick reminder. Come along and enjoy a stroll around our magnificent cemetery-hopefully in the sunshine- whilst collecting litter as you walk! We hold our litter picks every quarter and they offer a chance for you to observe wildlife, especially the  extensive bird population, whilst helping to keep this beautiful open space litter free.

Meet by the Lodge on the main drive- 10am on Saturday the 5th September. We advise suitable clothing , footwear and gloves,  but we will provide litter pickers and rubbish bags. Litter Pick events usually last till approx 11.30am

Litter Picks are useful, satisfying and fun.
Litter Picks are useful, satisfying and fun.

Work parties on local sites

Our local neighbour, Jasmin Fields Nature Reserve, has two work party events in August.

On the 23rd August they are inviting you to come along and ‘ Bash Balsam’ to help control this invasive weed (10.30-1pm) and then on the 30th they have a general work day with ‘The Reapers’ cutting the wild flower meadow area. (8.30-11am). Contact the Ranger Service to book a place.

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Future Project

The Friends are in discussions with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust to be the linchpin of a community Hedgehog survey in Brandwood. The project would hopefully involve the training of local residents to recognise Hedgehog activity, improve habitat, encourage ‘Hedgehog friendly gardens’ and generally raise the profile and understanding of wildlife within the cemetery and beyond.

hedgehogThe Hedgehog used to be a common sight in many peoples gardens and within Brandwood End Cemetery……but when did you last see one? With help, we hope to discover if they are still thriving in this area and if not, why not- and what could residents do to encourage a growth in the numbers of this endangered species.