Nick's Notes January 2013

Sandwell Valley Reserve Volunteer Update

Winter 2013

Crunching through the snow last week and looking out across the frozen lake and marsh there was no mistake that this was proper winter weather. The speed at which the bullfinches returned to the feeders after I had topped them up also confirmed how hard it is for our wildlife when temperatures plummet and snow covers their food. It is an attractive and exciting time as well though and we have seen some amazing birdlife over the last few weeks. Highlight would be the 97 goosander over Christmas except that this may even be eclipsed by the 11th January's incredible count of 80 common snipe and 10 jack snipe! I am fairly sure that these are reserve records and there was even a woodcock in there for good measure!

The team have all been working hard across Sandwell and Middleton and we are expecting a very busy couple of years ahead with major landscaping projects on sites and new visitor facilities (more of that in a minute) at both reserves too. There have also been some pretty major changes happening across the whole of the RSPB with the society looking to improve its brand and engage with more supporters and partners to tackle the bigger challenges that are out there. Exciting as all this is, it does mean that we have had to review where we need to put our time and reduce the amount we are doing in other areas. The most obvious outcome of this is the decision to close the reserve on Thursdays from now on. Thursday has always been a quieter day with no work parties, family activities and few visitors so it was the day we selected to close in the week. We will review this in the spring but for the time being it will be like Mondays when the paths are open but not the car park or hide.

 Another change for the future is to concentrate our work party efforts more on two of the four Fridays per month. We would continue to have opportunities to volunteer on the other Fridays but feel that if we promote the two 'major' work parties and aim to complete full days this will help with bigger jobs such as burning the huge amount of willow in the marsh. Reedbed cutting and burning would also be better suited to a full day with more people. We will therefore advertise the first and third Fridays of each month as reserve work parties and have a recruitment drive to push more volunteers to these days. Our excellent volunteer leader Sam will continue to run these but will get more support from Stefan or myself who will be at site for these main Fridays.

 So the big new visitor centre plans are ready to go. As this was such a complicated process with so many requirements plus the situation with the old building etc. we have asked that the architect Ian Bramble to spare time to come and present and explain the plans. This means that any general or technical questions can be answered by the expert too rather than me who knows very little about building design! To try and suit as many people as possible Ian will therefore be coming to the reserve on the 23rd February. This is a Saturday which hopefully will be good for most people and he will be there from 10 am-12.30 pm. We'll also make sure that there are plenty of nibbles and drinks to stave off the cold. If any one cannot make this though the centre plans will be on display from the 23rd onwards with accompanying Q&As. We'll send out a reminder closer to the date but please do make a diary note now if you can as it would be great to see you there.

 So a slightly belated Happy New Year from all the team and here's looking ahead to a great 2013. Many thanks to you all for all you do in your own roles and in your own unique way.

 Nick

 Nick Martin

Senior Site Manager

RSPB Sandwell Valley and Middleton Lakes