BIRMINGHAM PARK RANGER EVENTS

July - December 2014

Be Active Out & About

All Events are listed on our website - www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks

July 2014

Thursday 3rd July Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Saturday 5th July Grasshoppers & Crickets Newhall Valley Country Park 11am - 1pm Come and join the Rangers in the meadows of Newhall Valley to learn more about some of the insects that make the grassland their home. Please wear suitable footwear. Please book in advance. Meet at the car park off Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QT.

Friday 11th July 10:30am until Saturday 12th July 4pm BioBlitz Sutton Park Become a ‘Citizen Scientist’ and help your National Nature Reserve. Our BioBlitz will be a 30hr event to record in detail, the animals and plants of Sutton Park. A variety of experts, specialists and generalists will be on site to guide you through a range of activities designed to record the wildlife within Sutton Park. For further details go to www.facebook.com/SPBB13 . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Sunday 13th July Bittel Reservoir Circular Walk Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 2pm This is approx. a 5 mile walk mainly off road, hilly and uneven terrain with steps. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, bring water and a snack and your hat and sun cream if it’s scorching! Meet at Lickey Hills Visitors Centre, Warren Lane B45 8ER.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Saturday 19th July until Sunday 31st August Sutton Six-Pack Sutton Park 10am - 5:30pm Collect your pack to help you explore the site and take part in different self-led activities from each of the six vehicle entrances across the site over the Summer Holidays. Cost per pack £1.00. Drop in to the Visitor Centre between to collect your pack. Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Sunday 20th July Butterfly Effect Sarehole Mill 10:30am – 12:30pm Be part of the National Butterfly survey and help monitor these fluttery creatures with a gentle stroll along the River Cole looking for, counting and learning about butterflies. Meet at Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, B13 0BD.

Monday 21st July until Sunday 31st August Self-Guided Activity Trail Lickey Hills Country Park Pick up your activity sheet from the Visitor Centre between 10am – 5:40pm. This event runs daily until Wednesday 31st August. The Lickey Hills Visitor Centre, Warren Lane B45 8ER.

Friday 25th July – Sunday 3rd August Love Parks Week Various Sites Citywide Look out for activities in your local parks during Love Parks Week. Programme to follow, pick one up online or at a Ranger Hub near you.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Saturday 26th July until Saturday 30th August The Woodgate Challenge Woodgate Valley Country Park 10am - 5:30pm Can you complete the Woodgate Challenge? Set to run throughout the School holidays, this is a self- led activity trail. At the end of the summer all who have completed the activity will be entered into a draw, the winner will win a small prize. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

August 2014

Friday 1st August August Antics Sutton Park 11am – 1pm Thank goodness it’s a Friday Family event in Sutton Park. Booking essential, all children must be accompanied. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Wednesday 6th August National Play Day Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 3pm It’s National Play Day come and join the Rangers for some fun and games at the park. Family event. Please call for details 0121 445 6036. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Wednesday 6th August August Antics Woodgate Valley Country Park 12pm – 2pm Join the ranger for a visit to the Bourne Brook to dip the waters and see what creatures are living there. All Equipment provided. Limited numbers, booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

Thursday 7th August August Antics Edgbaston Reservoir 11am – 12:30pm Join the rangers for Thursday fun each week in August, activities include bug hunts and crafts. Meet at the Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, B16 9EE.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Thursday 7th August Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Friday 8th August August Antics Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s summer, so go wild in the woods. Family Event . Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Friday 8th August August Antics Sutton Park 11am – 1pm Thank goodness it’s a Friday Family event in Sutton Park. Booking Essential, all children must be accompanied. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Saturday 9th August 1914 Trail Brandwood End Cemetery 10:30am A historic walk focusing on themes from the 1914 era, lost loved ones, politics, social movements and wildlife. How did the First World War affect people’s lives? Meet at Brandwood End Cemetery, Woodthorpe Road, Kings Heath, B14 6EQ.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Monday 11th August August Antics Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods. Family Event. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036 . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Wednesday 13th August Bat Night Cotteridge Park 8:30pm Batty about bats? Join the Birmingham Bat Conservation Group, the Rangers and Friends for a night helping to monitor and track these furry, flying mammals. Meet at Cotteridge Park car park, Franklin Road, Cotteridge, B30 2HG.

Wednesday 13th August August Antics Woodgate Valley Country Park 1:30pm – 3:30pm Woodgate Valley is alive with bugs and creepy crawlies. Joins us as together we go in search of the little critters. Limited numbers, booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

Thursday 14th August August Antics Edgbaston Reservoir 11am – 12:30pm Join the rangers for Thursday fun each week in August, activities include bug hunts and crafts. Meet at the Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, B16 9EE.

Friday 15th August August Antics Sutton Park 11am – 1pm Thank goodness it’s a Friday Family event in Sutton Park. Booking Essential, all children must be accompanied. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Monday 18th August August Antics Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods. Family Event. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036 . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Wednesday 20th August August Antics Woodgate Valley Country Park 12pm – 2pm Join the Rangers to make a simple kite and watch it fly. There will be a small charge for materials at the time of booking. Limited numbers. Booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

Wednesday 20th August Bat Night Walkers Heath Park 8:30pm Batty about bats? Join the Birmingham Bat Conservation Group, the Rangers and Friends for a night helping to monitor and track these furry, flying mammals. Meet at Walkers Heath Park, Druids Lane, Druids Heath, B38 0BL.

Thursday 21st August Bat Night Highbury Park 8pm Batty about bats? Join the Birmingham Bat Conservation Group, the Rangers and Friends for a night helping to monitor and track these furry, flying mammals. Meet at the Car Park, Highbury Park, Shutlock Lane, Moseley, B13 8NZ.

Thursday 21st August August Antics Edgbaston Reservoir 11am – 12:30pm Join the Rangers for Thursday fun each week in August, activities include bug hunts and crafts. Meet at the Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, B16 9EE.

Friday 22nd August Bat & Moth Night Lickey Hills Country Park 7:30pm - late Come and join the Rangers and learn more about these nocturnal mammals and their dinner! Please bring a torch, wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036 . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Friday 22nd August August Antics Sutton Park 11am – 1pm Thank goodness it’s a Friday Family event in Sutton Park. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Sunday 24th August Bat Night Sutton Park 7.30pm - 9.30pm Take a look at these night-time creatures using our bat detectors. Wear warm clothing and bring a torch. Booking essential. Meet at Streetly Gate, Thornhill Road Sutton Coldfield, B74 3EW.

Monday 25th August Bats at Newhall Newhall Vallery Country Park 7.30pm - 9.30pm Take a look at these night-time creatures using our bat detectors. Wear warm clothing and bring a torch. Booking Essential. Meet at the car park off Wylde Green Rd. Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QT.

Wednesday 27th August Den Building Woodgate Valley Country Park 12pm – 2pm Join the Rangers to learn how make a den in the woods from natural materials. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

Thursday 28th August August Antics Edgbaston Reservoir 11am – 12:30pm Join the Rangers for Thursday fun each week in August, activities include bug hunts and crafts. Meet at the Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, B16 9EE.

Friday 29th August August Antics Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods. Family Event. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036 . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Friday 29th August August Antics Sutton Park 11am – 1pm Thank goodness it’s a Friday Family event in Sutton Park. All children must be accompanied. Booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

September 2014

Thursday 4th September Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Thursday 11th September Bat Night Jasmin Fields 7:30pm Batty about bats? Join the Birmingham Bat Conservation Group, the Rangers and Friends for a night helping to monitor and track these furry, flying mammals. Meet at the site sign, Bayston Road, Kings Heath, B14 5AS.

Sunday 14th September Know Your Plot Part 2 Broad Lane Allotments 10am – 2pm An introduction to allotment keeping for this time of year. Looking at mulching, digging, green manures and jobs for the Autumn. Meet at Broad Lane Allotment, Kinsey Grove, Kings Heath, B14 5AR.

Sunday 28th September Walk to The Lickey Hills Woodgate Valley Country Park 10am A guided walk to the Lickey Hills, all but a few sections off road. This walk is hilly in parts and not for the faint hearted. Bring a packed lunch, transport back to the start provided. Limited availability, Booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

Sunday 28th September Seed Gathering Sunday Kings Heath Park 10:30am – 2pm Let’s get together and see what seeds we can gather, swop and grow. With advice from the horticulture experts at Kings Heath Park House, find out why seed gathering is vital for biodiversity and what conservation efforts are being made with seeds. Meet at the television garden, Kings Heath Park, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, B14 7TQ.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

October 2014

Thursday 2nd October Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Friday 3rd October Skywatch Lickey Hills Country Park 7:30pm – 10pm Come along for an evening hosted by the Birmingham Astronomical Society. Explore the night sky using powerful telescopes (weather permitting). In the Visitor Centre will be a series of slide shows and a chance to meet with members of the society. The star dome will also be here for indoor star gazing. Refreshments will be available from the café. Meet at Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER. Tickets for the Planetarium are strictly limited and go on sale at 7.30pm prompt no advanced bookings.

Sunday 5th October Canal History Walk Edgbaston Reservoir 1pm - 4pm Join the Ranger for a history walk from Edgbaston Reservoir along the canal into the City Centre and back again. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston, B16 9EE

Sunday 5th October Fungi Foray Sutton Park 11:30am – 3:30pm The return of this popular event. We will be on site during the day for people to pop in and learn about our mushrooms and will go on a foray from 2pm - 3pm to have a look for some locally. Meet at Streetly Gate, Thornhill Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3EW.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Sunday 12th October Fungi the Forgotten Kingdom Sarehole Mill 10:30am – 1pm Mushrooms, toadstools, yeasts and moulds find out more at the mill with the Rangers as part of National Fungi Weekend. Including fungi foray at local sites. Meet at Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, B13 0BD.

Sunday 19th October Fungus Foray Lickey Hills Country Park 10:30am - 12pm Do you know your mushrooms from your Toadstools? Join the hunt for fungi and be enlightened. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Monday 27th October Autumn Collage Plantsbrook Nature Reserve 10:30am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 3pm Meet at Plantsbrook Local Nature Reserve and create a seasonal picture made from natural materials. Booking essential. Meet at the car park off Eachelhurst Rd. B24 0QL.

Tuesday 28th October Bug Hotels Plantsbrook Nature Reserve 10:30am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 3pm Meet at Plantsbrook Local Nature Reserve and make some houses for bugs to survive the winter. Booking essential. Meet at the car park off Eachelhurst Rd. B24 0QL.

Tuesday 28th October Kids Half-Term Activities Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods. Family Event. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Wednesday 29th October Twig Skeletons Edgbaston Reservoir 12pm - 1:30pm Come along and make a spooky Halloween twig skeleton. Booking essential . Meet at the Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Rd, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Wednesday 29th October until Friday 31st October Broomsticks Sutton Park 10:30am - 12pm & 1:30pm - 3pm Create a traditional besom broom from natural materials. Booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Friday 31st October Kids Half-Term Activities Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm It’s the holidays, so go wild in the woods. Family Event. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Friday 31st October Halloween Horrors Woodgate Valley Country Park 1pm – 3pm Prepare yourself for Halloween with some spooky crafts and activities. There will be a charge for materials, payable at the time of booking. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

November 2014

Thursday 6th November Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Wednesday 19th November River Rea Ramble Cannon Hill Park 10am – 3pm Join the Rangers as we ramble along the River Rea valley , including the Strichley Heritage Trail. More details to follow, wear sturdy footwear, outdoor clothes and bring a snack to munch. Meet at Cannon Hill Tearooms, Russell Rd. Moseley, B13 8RD.

Sunday 23rd November National Tree Week Kings Heath Park 10:30am Meet a Tree Officer, what does his job entail, using the latest tree survey technology. Learn how to look for signs of health and decay, tree pests and diseases, plant a tree and play some environmental games. Meet at Kings Heath Park, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, B14 7TQ.

Sunday 30th November Edgbaston Ramble Woodgate & Edgbaston Rangers 10:30am A gentle stroll with the Rangers along the Harborne Walkway and on to Edgbaston Reservoir, for a guided history walk around the lake. Transport back to the start provided. Meet by the bridge on Park Hill Road, Harborne, B17 9HD.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

December 2014

Thursday 4th December Volunteer Day Edgbaston Reservoir 10:30am – 1pm Join our regular team of volunteers on a range of practical work on various sites. Meet at Rangers Office, 115 Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9EE.

Saturday 6th December until Tuesday 23rd December Meet Holly Berry Sutton Park 10am – 4pm We will be harvesting some of our plentiful holly from the Park for you to take away and use at home. Donations will be gratefully received and we might also have some pine xmas trees available too, freshly cut from invading our heathland. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Saturday 6th December & Sunday 7th December Xmas Decorations Sutton Park 11am – 3pm Drop in between 11am and 3pm to join us creating seasonal decorations using natural materials. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Park Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2YT.

Saturday 6th December National Tree Dressing Day Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm Help decorate the winter trees of the Lickey’s. Family event. Wrap up warm & wear suitable footwear. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

Sunday 7th December Christmas Decorations Woodgate Valley Country Park 1:30pm – 3:30pm Our very popular event, we will be making decorations from natural materials for Christmas . There will be a charge for materials, payable at the time of booking. Limited numbers, booking essential. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, B32 3DS.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Saturday 13th December Know Your Christmas Tree Highbury Park 10:30am Join us for a detailed look at evergreens and conifers using accessible botanical keys. Explore their properties, uses and land of origin. Demonstration of how to make a simple wreath and information on how to look after your Christmas tree. Meet at the Car Park, Highbury Park, Shutlock Lane, Moseley, B13 8NZ.

Sunday 14th December Seasonal Crafts Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 1pm Have a crack at making your own seasonal decorations from natural materials. Booking essential. Please call 0121 445 6036. Small charge for materials. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane . Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER

Sunday 21st December Search for Santa Lickey Hills Country Park 11am – 4pm Each year Santa stops off at the Lickey Hills. Follow Santa's trail through the woods to find his grotto and presents. This event is very popular - places are limited. Small charge per child. Bookings taken from 1st November . Please call 0121 445 6036 Meet at the Visitor Centre, Warren Lane, Rednal, B45 8ER.

If you would like to attend any of the above events, please book by clicking www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents or by calling 0121 – 464 – 8728

Contact Us

Telephone and email contact details have changed for all ranger sites. You now have easier access to information about all council services through Birmingham City Council Call Centre for phone calls, and the www.birmingham.gov.uk website for online interactions. All enquiries for Ranger Hubs will be handled by Birmingham City Council Call Centre and e-mails will be replaced by online forms reached via the Parks and Ranger Service web pages. Contact us by telephone on 0121 454 7810 View our website at www.birmingham.gov.uk/parks Contact us by email/self service at www.birmingham.gov.uk Book a place on a Ranger Event (where stated) www.birmingham.gov.uk/rangerevents