It was fitting for me to have walked along the valley from Compton Park to the old Station at Newbridge, before this meeting commenced.
It was a glorious sunny and warm evening. Comma Butterflies were courting in the paddocks, and the liquid song of Blackcap's accompanied me pretty much all the way.
Was the tranquil feel of nature about to be broken by a cold meeting where yet again man (and woman!) tramples all over Mother Nature with selfish plans?
NO NO NO!!!!!!
The evening started with a bosting cuppa and a chat about Warblers with Ian from the Ranger Services. And it finished with news that a Peregrine had been spotted taking prey and heading off towards an area of the City Centre, and a caring enquiry from the same Community Council member as to where he might be able to take his son to see our star singing Willow Tit!!!
In between.... a birders heaven!!!!!
News of community projects like WREN that are creating information boards aimed specifically at birds and other wildlife. Another plan that will add native flowers to our canal towpath's.
A report from the Conservation Projects Manager and Nature Improvement Area Programme Manager, from The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. This included news that the deculveting of Graisley Brook, could soon commence, following a water level survey, so that there is hope that Reed bunting may soon breed again around the Barleyfield!!!
News that we have an Environmental Awareness Officer, who will work with this blog and other community organisations to provide information to local residents and advertise who we are and what we do and to spread the word regarding the success of projects like the WREN canal improvement project.
So many comments from members of the local Community Council and Tenant's and Residents Association, which showed strong sympathy for the valley's wildlife.
An agreement that from late Summer, detailed work-plans will be available on a quarterly basis so that I can explain the works and their benefits before a spade has been lifted.
Acknowledgement that the Conservation & Access Management Plan, can evolve as a result of future sharing and observations, but speaking for myself, it looks an amazing enhancer of bio-diversity in the valley as it stands.
An offer from the council to provide me with tools that I can include on this blog to encourage children to enjoy and learn more about nature in the valley and so to hopefully nurture our next Clement's family!!!!!!
Discussions relating to the future of the W.E.C (Wolverhampton Environment Centre), that acknowledged it's value to wildlife.
Wide support for the creation of "Belvide - like" work parties to help carry out projects to enhance the valley.
In short, we are just so lucky....... to have a Council that is meeting it's responsibilities for bio-diversity head on...............to have funds secured from the Nature Improvement Area to bring a management plan to life......and to have the local Community Council and Tenants and Residents Association, holding such a caring and passionate approach to their work and the flora and fauna of the valley.
It is so fitting that as the Smestow Valley Bird Group disbands, the fruits of it's tireless years of recording and lobbying, are now being reported.
These are exciting times, not just for the Valley and it's Wildlife. The Advisory group is also working immensely towards another of the key aims from the Management Plan's Vision Statement - FORGING PARTNERSHIPS.
I have come away from my first meeting, wanting so much to support those volunteer groups that exist in the valley and to use the voice of this blog to help make every venture, project or event of theirs a success. To this end I will be developing links from this blog through liaison with those individuals that kindly provided their contact details at the meeting.
Thank you to all who made me feel welcome. I am a bit rusty and appreciate the kindness and consideration whilst I settle in.
The next meeting is scheduled for 16th July 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment