Planting along the River Rea

We have managed to plant 160 whips along the River Rea Natural Corridor in two short planting sessions.

Thanks, Dinny, Claire, Lynn, Liz, Andy, Louis, Rachel, Sarah (BOSFA), Adam and Paul (Rangers).

The idea is to broaden the depth of this area's rich habitat to help ensure wildlife prospers and the experience of those journeying along the River Rea through Kings Norton park and playing fields is enhanced. 

We want people to continue to enjoy a natural feeling in between the KN Nature Reserve and the Historic Canal Junction, without taking anything away from our Parks individuality.

Amongst the wildlife which is established along our stretch  of the River Rea are Kingsfisher, Cray Fish and Water Voles.  As we planted we watched a low diving Kingfisher, listened to the singing of the early migrant Chiff Chaff and we were overseen by the territorial red breasted robin.   We  inhaled the aroma of wild garlic from the deep green ground cover which will soon spring into a carpet of white and absorbed the warm rays of the sun.  An absolute pleasure.

From a densely wooded area along the river we aim to create a graduation into a softer meadow of wild flowers and grasses that will gently meet the edge of the formal Park.

Warning! You may soon see a change to mowing regime along the River Rea area which may initially seem as though the Council has failed to cut a patch grass.   They have but this is at our request in response to consultation we have undertaken over the last 18 months.

By not cutting the grass we will be able to discover what will naturally grow along this strip enabling before planning which wild flowers to sow.  This was once arable land not far from a manorial mill so it may have produce corn or barley, or its yield may only be dandelion, thistle or clover.

Please bear with us it may take a little time to create our attractive Natural River Rea Corrdor.

Your comments and assistance in this venture are encouraged, so please contact us if you wish to be added onto our mailing list and receive details of planting events.

email:  info.foknp@gmail.com