WHO? RSPB Sandwell Valley and the Community Forum

Hello and welcome to our first Community Forum e-newsletter! We thought we'd start with a little introduction to who we are.

RSPB Sandwell Valley is a a little bit of green paradise wedged between Birmingham and West Bromwich, in the north east corner of Sandwell Valley Country Park. Not only is it the perfect place to come and see a bullfinch or lapwing, it's also great for families and people of all ages and abilities.

View of RSPB Sandwell Valley
from Nature's Reach visitor centre (Jenny Stevens)

We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who keep the reserve spick and span, while always improving it for nature and visitors. You can see all sorts of different wildlife throughout the year, with great numbers of wading birds, wildfowl and woodland birds; butterflies and moths; creepy crawlies and even the odd mammal. To find out more about RSPB Sandwell Valley CLICK HERE!

Little Ringed Plover at RSPB Sandwell Valley (Andy Purcell)

Our shiny visitor centre, Nature's Reach, opened in July 2015, made possible by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. From there you can watch our ever-busy bird feeders, pick up a pond dipping kit, find out about recent sightings and grab a hot drink and snack.

School Group birdwatching at Nature's Reach.

And that's where the community forum comes in. It was set up when plans for the new centre were confirmed, with the intention of giving local people, volunteers and staff a chance to have a say in the day to day running of the centre and where it's headed. It's role is to input ideas and suggestions for improvements and help with strategic decisions. In addition, the forum works closely with staff and volunteers to increase awareness of the site and ensure the local community uses the reserve. The forum is open to anyone who uses the site (or would like to) and is interested in what we do. So please please get in touch if you'd like to get involved (please see contact details below).

Opening of Nature's Reach at Residents' and Local Community Launch Event.

Our current forum members all use the site regularly and are passionate about it's upkeep and it's future. We thought we'd ask a few of them to tell you what they love about RSPB Sandwell Valley and what it means to them...

"This is a lovely refreshing place to walk and reflect. It also has an interesting array of plants, birds and wildlife that makes walking around the reserve an enjoyable experience."

- Winsome, community forum member and local resident.

"I love RSPB Sandwell Valley because it brings the feeling of being in a rural area to an urban town. It is wonderful to be able to walk and sit in such beautiful settings located right on my doorstep."

- Lorna, community forum member and local resident.

"What does RSPB Sandwell Valley mean to me?

R - Riotous change in colour with the
S - Seasons.
P - Public appreciation of the
B - Birds and the
S - Scenic views from the
V - Visitor centre."

- Roy, community forum member, RSPB Sandwell Valley volunteer and local resident.

"I love that RSPB Sandwell Valley is this little green space in the middle of an urban jungle, with huge personality! It's perfect for all ages and interests, with so many activities running each year. The various wildlife that visits is incredible considering the location and the community spirit and passion for nature among staff and volunteers is inspiring. Whether you're a keen birder or struggle to tell your blue tit from your great tit, you'll be welcomed. What's not to love?!"

- Jenny, community forum member and Connecting People & Nature Intern.

"It may sound odd, but my favourite thing about Sandwell Valley is probably the people who donate their time and talent to us. Our huge team of volunteers (120+!) know everything there is to know about all of the feathered, buzzing, creeping-and-crawling, furry and colourful residents of this nature reserve, and will always stop to inform and enthuse you about the abundance of wildlife here!"

- Lucy, community forum member and Community and Volunteer Development Officer. 

Want to know more and get involved? Email lucy.hodson@rspb.org.uk

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