Update from the Friends of Kingfisher Country Park

I’ve just received the latest newsletter from the Friends Of Kingfisher Country Park, who are doing a sterling job looking after the fantastic green space at the heart of Shard End Ward.

I’ve reproduced the letter below.  I know that the Friends are always eager to welcome new recruits, so if you’re interested in getting involved, they’d be delighted to hear from you!

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

C/o Sheldon Country Park Ranger Service
Old Rectory Farm
Ragley Drive
Church Road
Sheldon
Birmingham
B26 3TU

0121 303 6023

1^st February 2013

Email   FriendsofKingfisherCountryPark@se-and-tc.org

Dear Friends,

At last we have some very good news! Extensive work started last week to address the long-standing problem which has led to the water channel running alongside Yorks Wood and into Babbs Mill Lake being known as ‘the smelly brook’.

This is a community-led project seeking to restore the water quality of Babbs Mill Lake and the River Cole while enhancing the habitat and amenity value of the site.

During the past year the Committee, with Sheldon and Solihull Rangers, have aimed to raise awareness of Kingfisher Country Park and its environmental and recreational value by being present at various events. These have included the Big Bird Watch (Meriden Park), Sheldon Countryside Festival, Chelmund’s Day in Chelmsley Wood, a variety of community activity days in Shard End, Yorks Wood, Tile Cross, and Lea Village. We took part in Oaks and Shires week in Meriden Park and a Mini-Olympics Fun Day in the park, organised by local PCSOs.

More good news! In November we heard that the woodland and lake in Meriden Park had been designated a Chelmsley Wood Local Nature Reserve.

Now that we have an up-to-date mailing list and a clearer picture of the future of the Friends’ Group we hope to be able to give you advance information about events.

Future events include:-

20^th  February.
A mid-week Meander starting from the Pavilion at 10:30, towards Cole Hall Lane.

27th February.
Tree planting at Glebe Farm, details from the Rangers at Sheldon.

20th April.
A ‘Safer Shard End’ community day in and around the Pavilion.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Jeanne Holland