Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 2d

This morning’s gratitude was based on a sample of 3 bird species populations that are increasing on Brum’s urban fringe as a result of Countryside Stewardship that is being withdrawn on 31st December without a replacement!
Also Linnet, Skylark, Yellowhammer…
www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-...

8

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 2d

This morning’s gratitude was based on a sample of 3 bird species populations that are increasing on Brum’s urban fringe as a result of Countryside Stewardship that is being withdrawn on 31st December without a replacement!
Also Linnet, Skylark, Yellowhammer…
www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-...

6

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 6d

It’s fabulous to sense the growing connection with Brum’s birds and butterflies across the city and demand is growing!

42 bird species have been recorded during guided walks with the Friends of Swanshurst Park, and the local community are loving the boost to their happiness and wellbeing! 😎

1 9

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 13d

2 Raven circling low over Colmore Row near Snow Hill Station earlier this afternoon.

A tick for this area of Brum and great to hear their gronking calls echoing around the buildings here

1 13

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 13d

Congratulations guys and no surprise at all! Well deserved recognition for an amazing network of Brum’s “unsung heroes” who passionately and unconditionally give so much to our great city 👌👏👏👏👏👏

bsky.app/profile/bosf...

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 14d

It’s a real honour to be nominated for a Community Inspiration Award in the Environmental category. This recognition belongs not just to BOSF, but to the hundreds of amazing #volunteers across #Birmingham who give their time, energy, and passion to care for our #parks and open spaces!

💚

3

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 15d

Discover Nature in Autumn!
Join @wardendgftc.bsky.social & @chris4patches.bsky.social @brumcjc.bsky.social for a guided autumn Walk & Talk.

Explore the changing season, learn about local wildlife, & enjoy a morning in nature.

Sat 4th Oct
10am-12pm
Ward End Park, #Birmingham

Free and open to all!

2 5

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 15d

An important Cuckoo host species, the Meadow Pipit is often overlooked but has huge character and claw!

Their “parachute” display is a delight to watch!

They are declining; Amber-listed and on the global IUCN “near threatened” list

Great to see 130+ @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social today 😎

1 12

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 16d

The 5th Mobile Catering Services for Parks tender is now live on In-Tend. Deadline: 30 Sept 2025 (midday).

Details & docs (ref: PQ0614): www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/05232...

Covers pitches across Birmingham’s parks. Contracts run for 4 years. @bhamcitycouncil.bsky.social

Provision of Mobile Catering Services in Parks - Find a Tender

www.find-tender.service.gov.uk

1 1

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 18d

The UK Spotted Flycatcher population has declined by 93% in my lifetime!

Friends of Stechford Hall Park enjoyed watching 2 during my guided walk today

Brum has a HUGE story to tell about its nature & how it improves the lives of its people!

Volunteers are the storytellers!
@bosfonline.bsky.social

1 11

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 18d

Hi @thehairycrisp.bsky.social
Amazing return from first guided walk at this site mate! 😎😎😎

1 1

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 18d

2 Spotted Flycatchers Stechford Hall Park spotted at noon today and still present with group of warblers on central area near playground #WestMidsBirds

1 1 11

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 19d

I warmly invite you to join me and Friends of Stechford Hall Park tomorrow to enter the fascinating world of Brum’s birds & butterflies: 11am via Stechford Road B34 6AB

This is their 1st nature event so will also be cause for a great celebration of Brum community development
@bosfonline.bsky.social

3 6

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 20d

Hi Catherine,

It was fabulous to meet you.
Best of luck to you and the @birminghamfoe.bsky.social team for tonight’s event and wishing you all a wonderful weekend 😎

1 3

Reposted by Chris Millward

Catherine Hill @ctjhill.bsky.social · 20d

Lovely to see & hear from so many people working with nature locally at @chris4patches.bsky.social's walking workshop today. Including @naomifisher.bsky.social & folks from @wittonlakes.bsky.social @bosfonline.bsky.social. The sunshine was great & slightly unexpected.

1 1 3

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 20d

News just in! @keepbritaintidy.bsky.social and the Green Flag Award are working with the @universityofleeds.bsky.social and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to support a new campaign: #SaferParks - #StandUpAgainstStreetHarassment

1 3 5

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · 21d

It’s always a pleasure and honour to work with you guys! Exciting times ahead 👍🙏

2

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 23d

Great to be involved in the launch of the Life Sciences Festival in #Birmingham yesterday. Thanks to @chris4patches.bsky.social (@brumbiosphere.bsky.social) for the invite and the chance to host a stall - it was a brilliant opportunity to connect with organisations from across the West Midlands.

1 2 7

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum @bosfonline.bsky.social · 29d

A huge thank you to Carl Chinn, Brummie Historian & Local Legend, for his brilliant @birminghamlive.bsky.social article on the history of the city’s open spaces - and for highlighting BOSF & our network of volunteers. He recently celebrated our 20th Anniversary with us & @chris4patches.bsky.social 💚

1 2 6

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Friends of the Earth @birminghamfoe.bsky.social · Sep 2

We're co-hosting a screening of ACTionism with the Plastic Free Gathering, Friday 19th Sept 7-9pm at @inthewarehouse.bsky.social
The film explores bringing people together for collective action. There'll be a Q&A with with the filmmaker and a chance to socialise.
actionnetwork.org/events/film-...

2 2

Reposted by Chris Millward

Birmingham Friends of the Earth @birminghamfoe.bsky.social · Sep 1

Have you heard about the Plastic Free Gathering? Sat 20th September 10am - 6pm at Crowne Plaza Hotel here in Birmingham, and on zoom. There's talks from @greenpeaceuk.bsky.social @partykitnetwork.bsky.social @reuniverse.co @zerowastescotland.bsky.social and more.
www.theplasticfreegathering.co.uk

The Plastic Free Gathering

A one day summit of talks aimed at bringing together everyone concerned about plastic pollution and single-use plastics, to drive forward ambitious action on plastic. It will showcase ground breaking...

www.theplasticfreegathering.co.uk

3 4

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · Aug 31

It was an absolute pleasure to lead a guided bird & butterfly walk with the growing number of Friends of Queens Park in Brum

Fantastic to record 21 bird species incl Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Sparrowhawk & Treecreeper and 5 butterfly species
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social

2 10

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · Aug 29

I warmly invite you to join me on Friday 19th September 2025 for my walking workshop, “Life with Nature”

Together we will explore how our region and its people can thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives and boardrooms

Register here:
wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk/event/life-w...
#LSW25

2 1

Reposted by Chris Millward

Ward End Residents' Group @wardendgftc.bsky.social · Aug 29

Today WERG are busy with @BrumRiverChamps activities & a touch of litterpicking @bosfonline.bsky.social 🙂

1 2

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · Aug 25

Hi Matt. Early broods 75% of 2023 on average except abundant whites. Late broods are breaking records.

Amazing Linnet count considering farm rotation hasn’t started. These are local birds bouncing back after crash last year 🤠👍

1

Chris Millward @chris4patches.bsky.social · Aug 25

After carrying the @bosfonline.bsky.social 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton over 150,000 steps to Brum’s “unsung superheroes”, what better way to recharge & reflect than to survey @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social

It was fantastic to see record numbers of Small Copper & Common Blue plus 106 Linnet!

2 3 11