Nick's Notes November 2013

At Middleton progress is being made on our activity hub - a barn-style building which will house a multi-functional space (visitor reception and indoor space for school groups and events) welly wash facilities and toilets. The new building will be positioned at the end of the existing visitor’s car park.

 A project team has been busily fundraising for this facility, this year. We now await a decision from the Derbyshire Environmental Trust. We have applied for a grant totalling £100,000 and expect a decision in early December. If successful, the building works will start in mid-January. So watch this space and keep fingers crossed!  An application for permanent planning permission for this new building was also submitted three months ago and we hope to get a final decision on that in the next two weeks.

 The portaloos currently located in our car park will soon be removed. We now have an arrangement with Middleton Hall for our visitors to use the Courtyard toilets whilst we await further developments on the building of our activity hub.

 A bittern was been sighted at the edge of Fishers Mill Reed Bed. Several people have also enjoyed a murmuration of starlings in the past week.

 Looking ahead

Our visitor promotions team have had little time to recover from the success of their half term events. There are several happening between now and the New Year. Please do look at our website for full details.  Nicky, Alex and Chris would love to hear from you if you are able to lend a hand.  Please also spread the word to your friends and invite them to come along.

Also on Sunday 15th December at both reserves we have our ever popular Christmas Winter Warmer Walks including refreshments and 'festive punch' ‘wink, wink’.

 Clothing Amnesty

We are still looking for any children’s clothes, particularly trousers / jogging bottoms, for children ages between about 4 – 8 so if any of you have any children or grandchildren who have outgrown some clothes, we would love to take them off your hands!  Any donations to please be dropped off at the Sandwell or Middleton office.

 One last thing…………

 Have you booked your place at our pre-Christmas meal at Jimmy Spices?  There are approximately 20 people coming so far.  Please get in touch if you would like to come too!

 Thank you as always for your support.