Warley Woods Community Trust

It’s not much fun clearing out old toilets, but that’s what some of the volunteers have been doing in order to convert them in to space for storing some of our bulkier items such as the marquees.  Thanks especially to Arthur Ward and Steve Atkinson for preparing the space and putting security fencing round it—it provides a much needed resource for the Trust.
Despite—or because of—the rain, the trees are looking wonderful at this time of year.  There are photos on the Woods’ Facebook page taken by members when out and about, but do come and have a look for yourselves. Thanks to Chris Shortis for leading the tree walk on 12th May—still two more events coming up in May about Birdlife
Money is still coming in from Walk for the Woods participants and so far the total is £2104.  If there is any more money outstanding please can you get it to the office/shop as soon as possible.  Thanks to everyone who took part and/or sponsored those who did. It’s a real boost to the trust funds.

Thanks to everyone who donated sugar for the veteran beech tree, including a local bee keeper. We had getting on for 100 kilos! On a rather wet Sunday morning a group of volunteers watered the sugar solution into the ground which had been spiked the previous day by the groundstaff.  Now we have to hope that this will give the tree a much needed boost. If not, we may be seeing the tree coming to the end of its life and will have to plan for its felling.
The Oral History Project is getting into full swing and 6 histories have so far been taken with others in the pipeline.  We’re always interested in more stories so don’t be afraid to put your name forward, or suggest someone else, if you would like to be interviewed.
Much Ado about Nothing is the theatre in the woods production this year. It will take place on Thursday June 14th starting at 7.30 pm.  As for the previous 2 years the play will be performed by Heartbreak productions. Tickets are available from the shop and online at the Trust website ##www.warleywoods.org.uk Thanks to Derek Spires Estate Agents for their sponsorship.
Plans for the Picnic in the Park are progressing well.  This year we are having a programme that will be distributed in advance as well as being available on the day. Gem Media, who produce Bearwood Gem, are organising this for us and have sold all the advertising space.  Bearwood Promoters are organising the music and as usual there will be the Dog Show, children’s activities, golf, football and lots of stalls and other activities  If you want to have a stall please contact Kathy at the office and she can send you an application form. (420 1061). Thanks to Companion Care Vets who are sponsoring the picnic this year which is being held on Sunday 15th July.
We’re hoping to get funding for a Golf Summer School in the holidays.  As soon as we know about this we will advertise the dates.  Meanwhile for those who would like to learn golf Greg is holding 2 more ‘Learn Golf in a Day’ sessions on July 1st and July 29th.  If you’d like to sign up for either of these please contact the shop on 429 2440.
Finally just many thanks to the groups of volunteers who are helping us keep on top of things in readiness for Green Flag Award Judging Day.  Not just our regular locals, but the support we are receiving from  HSBC staff and students at Sandwell College and Baskerville School.

We’ve three walks coming up this month – all connected with the wonderful natural environment in Warley Woods.

Saturday 12th May – a tree walk with Chris Shortis at 10am.  Meet at the Pavilion.  Chris is a local resident, but he is also our expert advisor on trees at Warley Woods.  He wrote our Woodland Management Plan, does our safety surveys and offers us ideas about things like – giving our veteran beech a sugar boost.  He may be an expert, but he communicates in a really accessible way and so whether you wanted to know the basics or some of the more technical stuff you won’t be disappointed. £2 per adult, children free

Saturday 19th May – learn how to identify birds 10am – 2pm.  This is led by Liz Coleman, Warley Woods Trustee and RSPB volunteer (and professional teacher) and Steve Hodgkinson, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.  The event is suitable for adults and teenagers.  There is some classroom style learning in the morning (fun though) and then you go out for a walk to try out what you hope you have learnt.  £5 per adult.  Meet in the Padgham Room (meeting room) at the Pavilion.

Saturday 26th May - a dawn chorus walk, 5am (yes 5am) meet at the Pavilion to walk with Matt Hadlington, Warley Woods volunteer and Sandwell Ranger.  May is the best time of the year for birdsong, so come and learn from Matt on his first event for the Trust. £2 adults, children free.

After two successful theatre years, we are going for our first Shakespeare production – again in partnership with Heartbreak Productions and sponsored by Derek Spires Estate Agents.  Tickets are onsale now either c/o Heartbreakproductions own website or through our Online Shop.  Click on the link – top right and scroll down to see the ticket products.  Adults £12, children £8 and Family Ticket (two adults, two children) £35.

Thank you to everyone who has donated sugar for our appeal. Volunteers will be out on Sunday pouring the sugar syrup into prepared holes around the veteran beech tree by the Abbey site.  We’ve done all the conventional things to help prolong its life and this is a long shot, but definately worth trying.  We have had 50kg donated so far and a promise of even more from a local bee keeper.  If you are in the park on Sunday and see something strange going on, then have a look, or lend a hand – it won’t be something that you see every day in every park.  Then keep an eye on the tree and if it bursts into extra life with lovely fresh green leaves, you’ll know why.