• Celebrating Birmingham’s Unsung Heroes and Urban Wildlife: WestMidsAllDayer Autumn 2024

    Chris with a photograph taken of him by the memorial tree planted in memory of his father, Christopher John Millward
    Chris meets with the Friends of Old Yardley Park
    Friends of Old Yardley Park
    Rive Cole at the railway bridge, Cotterills Lane Rec.
    Chris meets with Frends of Perry Hall Park and Yvonne (BOSF)
    Frends of Perry Hall Park, Helen feeding the local birds in the park during Chris visit
    Frends of Perry Hall Park with Yvonne (BOSF)
    Chris meets with the Friends of Acocks Green Rec and Westley Vale Millennium Green, with Cllr. Roger Harmer supporting local volunteer efforts
    Chris reading the notice board about the history of the Old Oak Tree in Selly Oak Park
    Chris meet with the Friends of Selly Oak Park, reading the notice board about the history of the Old Oak Tree
    Chris meet with the Friends of Selly Oak Park
    Chris meet with the Friends of Selly Oak Park, listening out for the calls of a Mistle Thrush
    Chris meet with the Friends of Selly Oak Park, and spots a Mistle Thrush
    Chris meet with the Friends of Selly Oak Park

     

    We recently had the pleasure of joining Chris Millward from Team4Nature and some of our member groups for the WestMidsAllDayer event last month. This inspiring day celebrated the incredible wildlife and nature across our city, while also highlighting the power of community spirit and the dedication of the amazing volunteers who care for Birmingham’s parks and open spaces.

    Chris Millward, a passionate Brummie, is committed to preserving the green spaces in Birmingham, inspired by the legacy of his father and grandmother. His recent 27 mile  journey along the iconic Number 11 bus route, his childhood “gateway to the magical world of Brum”, showcased this dedication. During his trip, Chris visited many open spaces, including Acocks Green Recreation Ground, Old Yardley Park, Cotterills Lane Recreation Ground, Perry Hall Park, and Selly Oak Park, recording an impressive 55 bird species. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Chris, BOSF volunteers, and birdwatchers across Birmingham, the citywide bird count reached an incredible 85 species in a single day!

    Birdlife is a key indicator of the health of our local environment and habitats. The presence and diversity of birds reflect the richness of the ecosystem, showing us how well our green spaces are thriving. Protecting and nurturing these areas is essential for both wildlife and the well-being of our communities. Birmingham’s green havens play a vital role in supporting mental and physical health, and we proudly support the volunteers who help care for them!

    In tribute to his father and grandmother, Chris launched the “Unsung Heroes Fund” to continue supporting these dedicated volunteers. With over £3,000 already raised, every contribution goes toward our mission to keep Birmingham’s open spaces thriving. Chris shared, “At the time of dad’s passing, I had also been profoundly influenced by the acts of volunteers that were caring for Birmingham’s Open Spaces. They find time and give their hearts to looking after these urban wildlife oases that are also sanctuaries, providing health, happiness, and well-being to their local communities. My dad and nan would have wanted these ‘unsung heroes’ honoured.” We are deeply grateful for Chris’s commitment and the heartfelt way he honors his family’s legacy. If you’d like to support, please consider contributing to the “Unsung Heroes” fundraiser.

    To read more about Chris’s journey and the recent WestMidsAllDayer event, click the following link to his blog post: Birds, Buses, and Butterflies: Celebrating Brum’s Unsung Heroes.

    Posted on 14th October 2024