Its hard for the committee of FBEC to look ahead past Heritage Open week and our own Open Event – but our next ‘activity’ looms on the horizon.  On the morning of October 13th we will be hosting a walk led by a Fungi expert and organised by Caring for God’s Acre.  I am sure this will be popular so book your place as soon as you can.

Last litter pick of the summer and the last chance to tidy up  before the Heritage Open event on the 19th!  Saturday 4th September, 10am meet at the Lodge on the main drive.

Over 50 people joined Chris and Mike from Brum Bats and Ranger Dean plus his helpers as they led a Bat Walk from  Jasmin Fields to Brandwood Pool- via the cemetery. The Bat appearances were a bit few and far between this year but that didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm. We detected a few bats along the canal corridor, a few in the cemetery but silence by Brandwood Pool. Most unusual but never mind, better luck next time. I think everyone was glad to be able to attend an event, even though it was outdoors and in bubbles!

September’s Litter Pick is to be held on this coming Saturday, 4th September. Meet at the Lodge at 10am. This is the last litter pick before our Heritage week of events in mid months so we want to make sure that the cemetery looks spick and span. Remember stout footwear and gloves- we have the rest.

Our thanks to the 7 volunteers who came along to help us get the flower bed weeds under control.  Great work by Kerry, June, Julia, Kerry, Steve, Oscar and myself. We were all a little concerned that the grass appeared not to have been cut  for some time, which is unusual for the grass cutting team. The hedge desperately needed cutting but (as you will see below) , within a couple of days that was resolved.

 

Once again staff from BPN have stepped up and cut the hawthorn hedge surrounding the Civilian Garden of Remembrance for us. Not only is it cut but the base area has been cleared of leaf litter and weeds. Fantastic job well done. This is such a well established bio diverse hedge that is always left through the summer to help nesting birds, but then represents a really heavy job when cut at the end of nesting season. It is now beyond the Friends so thanks again for the help of from Paul’s team.

Recent rain has caused the weeds/hedge and grass to get excessively out of control in the Civilian Garden at the Broad Lane end of the main drive. We really dont want this area to look a mess, especially as we will be on show later in September for Heritage Open Week .If we don’t attack it with gusto it will soon be beyond us!

If you can help weeding, collecting and moving green stuff to the bins please come and help between 10.30 and 12noon on Sunday this weekend, the 29th. We are desperate for man power , no need for gardening expertise! We have basic tools but lack people to use them. Please bring your own gloves, as we will be sanitizing tools but gloves are difficult!!

 

It’s time for our annual BAT WALK, in conjunction with Brum Bats and the Park Ranger Service.

The decision has been made not to ask people to register, but people will be asked to distance and remain in their bubbles. All bat detectors will be sanitized and the event will be covid safe. The wearing of masks will be optional. Please bring your own bat detector and torch if you have them.

Wednesday 1st September 19:45pm (Leaving at 8pm sharp)

Meet at the farm gate Bayston Road, Opposite Kinsey Grove

Explore the night with Brum Bats, Ranger Service and the Friends of Jasmin fields and Brandwood End Cemetery on a Bat walk through Jasmin fields and Brandwood End Cemetery culminating at Brandwood Pool. All are welcome but you will need to bring a torch and wear suitable outdoor clothing including sturdy footwear.
Under 18’s must be supervised