Friends of Bartley Reservoir

08/10/2026

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21/08/2026

'The David Attenborough of Sound' - BBC & National Geographic with reference to Martyn Stewart OBE.

Have you ever heard of him? Well, he's a local lad that done good!

Martyn is an English audio naturalist that grew up in Bartley Green. He has travelled the world recording nature in all its forms, and his first experiences of nature and recording it were right here alongside Bartley Reservoir in Bromwich/Bluebell Woods.

A great BBC Radio documentary details this, called 'Illuminated; Shifting Soundscapes' where his early life in the woods and the recordings are shared. You can find this on BBC Sounds (link in comments).

Martyn has recently set up 'The Listening Planet' to create an archive of all of his recordings which can be found at thelisteningplanet.com.

The Birmingham Music Archive have recently teamed up with The Listening Planet, the National Trust, and Birmingham City FC Foundation for a new major project called 'Sounds of Birmingham', which we will share more about as we learn more.

For now, lets share the amazing work of this man who lived locally and started his career as a child laying on the floor of Bromwich Wood looking up into the trees and found the sounds of nature so amazing he started recording them, and then went on to record the world!

Well done Martyn!

Martyn Stewart in the field. Photography: Nick Lyon

12/08/2026

A great little find by the Invertebrate Group who visited Bartley Meadows last Friday.

Today we lead an invertebrate survey at Bartley Meadow, next to Bartley Reservoir in South Birmingham. The prolonged dry weather meant that insect numbers were generally thin on the ground but a highlight was this Clouded Yellow butterfly, spotted feeding on red clover near the picnic area! This migratory species is clearly having quite a year! Have you spotted one yet?

09/08/2026

The barrier at Frankley Lane bend has finally been restored after a few requests and complaints.

09/08/2026

These are 'human fires' not 'wild fires'.

All human fires are either started purposely, or accidentally, by people who thought they were being careful too.

A large fire ripped through Genners Farm Field a few weeks ago destroying a largely undisturbed grassland habitat.

It is too late for the creatures that loved there but luckily this habitat will recover fairly quickly, although it was more dangerous to human life due to its proximity to housing.

More fires around the picnic area last night too.

The tragedy is how much it exposes the ignorance and stupidity of the population.

The consequences of that ignorance and stupidity are killing wildlife, habitats, along with homes and people at the worst.

If Bartley Meadows goes up in fire; it will take decades to recover. That's because meadows need poor soil to thrive. The ash resulting from fire improves nutrients and so the meadow can't thrive.

Instead, brambles and the like take over, which are of lower biodiversity value than a wildflower meadow and would support less wildlife too.

You are not special.

You are no more careful than all the people that thought they were being careful too before fires took hold.

No Barbeques.

No Wild Fires/Bonfires

Wet cigarette ends before disposing of them safely.

Don't leave glass (or any rubbish for that matter) that can refract light.

Protect and respect what we have.

09/08/2026

🐛 🪲 🦋 A lovely day of bugs, birds, butterflies, bats and moths 🐦 🦋 🦇 for our Bio-Blitz.

Many thanks to Lauren from Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust for her support, knowledge, and equipment, Kate from Friends of Bartley Reservoir for leading and organising, and Fran and Sue from Friends of Senneleys Park for supporting, and last but by no means least, Patrick from the Butterfly (and Moth) Conservation Trust for moth trapping and sharing his knowledge on all things moth :)

Thank you to everyone who came along to take part. The data you have helped collect will help us understand the habitat better, and protect the site for the future :)

Findings to follow.

07/08/2026

Bio-Blitz at the Resa, from 14.30 onwards @ Genners Farm Field.

Now with Moth Trapping from 21.30. Stop by and see Patrick from the Butterfly/Moth Conservation Society.

Ger involved.

07/08/2026

Fantastic to have met the local councillor Rajbir Singh at the reservoir today to share its heritage and discuss ways to improve it for the betterment of local people. So nice to have encouragement and support 🙏

06/08/2026

Another lot of gravel donated :)

We've laid it at points that get particularly muddy in the autumn and spring.

Hopefully, it will bed down in with the mud and provide a more solid stable surface.

Even donated items have a cost implication. Hire Van, petrol, insurance and so on.

Things that donations have paid for recently;

+ This hire van, petrol, insurance, and roadside assistance if needed.

+ New graffiti removal kit.

+ Reinstallation of a bench pulled out at Bartley Meadows.

+ Renewal of Friends of Bartley Reservoir's website.

Please donate if you can.

05/08/2026

📣 Bio-Blitz this Saturday 8th August from 14.30 - 21.15

With Friends of Bartley Reservoir and Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Including 🪲 Hunt, 🐦 & 🦋 Walk, and 🦇 Walk :)

No experience required.

No booking required.

Come along and help us record the fauna of the reservoir.