Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust

14/08/2026

We send our deepest sympathy to communities impacted by the fires which raged across the West Midlands yesterday, as well as throughout this summer. People and property, wildlife and wild spaces are all at risk from the devastating impact of wildfire.

Whilst we're pleased that the Government has announced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques, we believe this unnecessary source of fire should be banned permanently. Across this summer, the damage their negligent use has caused has been immeasurable – why let them cause more? Please join us in signing this parliamentary petition seeking to remove the risk they pose once and for all: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/770200

With a hotter, drier climate, and landscapes stripped of their natural resilience, the risk of wildfires is not temporary, it will only increase in future. We need permanent action, and to put nature recovery at the heart of climate adaptation. Nature restoration is the most cost-effective way to help protect communities from climate impacts – from fire risk to flooding and sea level rise. A wilder future is a safer, healthier future for us all.

Please sign the petition now.

04/08/2026

🚨Help Us Fight Fire🚨 A single fire can have devastating consequences for people, wildlife and the precious habitats that nature depends on. Sadly, on Wednesday 29th July, a large fire ripped through our Portway Hill nature reserve, causing significant damage across the site. Elsewhere across the region we've seen fires at Moseley Bog & Joy's Wood, Castle Vale Meadows, Barr Beacon, Perry Hall Park, Pelsall North Common and more.

We want to protect the wealth of wildlife which calls these vital habitats home. The UK is already considered one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and across the urban landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country, we simply cannot afford to lose more wildlife. From solitary bees to small mammals, butterflies and countless other insects, each wildfire is killing wildlife and harming ecosystems.

That's why we need to raise £10,000 this summer. With your support, we will use our Wildfire Relief Fund to facilitate nature's recovery from wildfire, create resilient landscapes, and seek to raise awareness which can prevent unnecessary wildfires from happening in future.

Please donate whatever you can: bbcwildlife.org.uk/WildfireAppeal

31/07/2026

🚨This is why we work for wildlife🚨 We've been on the TV and the radio all day talking about the extensive damage to our Portway Hill nature reserve as a result of a large wildfire on Wednesday afternoon. It's heartbreaking to think of the wildlife that has been lost to the fire, but we thought we'd finish the day by sharing some photos we've taken in the last few years to show some of the reasons why we LOVE this site.

From stunning views across the Black Country to wildflower meadows rich with life, there is so much to discover here. There are butterflies in abundance, and in particular, Portway is home to a large colony of Marbled White butterflies. Not recorded in Birmingham or the Black Country before the 1990s, if you visit Portway on a sunny day in June or July, you're almost bound to see one of these stunners, visiting flowers alongside beautiful day-flying moths like Cinnabar or Burnet moths. Regionally rare Pyramidal Orchids can be found here, and delightful Bee Orchids too. There are birds aplenty, and all the sound, movement and colour that a wonderfully healthy habitat has to offer.

The fire has caused extensive damage but nature will recover. Our staff, alongside our brilliant, dedicated volunteers will do all we can to help it do so.

There are bad days when you love nature and you see the damage that man can cause to it. But there are many more good. If you've never been before, why not come and meet us at Portway Hill next summer? Well show you all the best bits.

30/07/2026

We are extremely saddened by news of a fire which broke out on the Rowley Hills yesterday afternoon that significantly impacted our Portway Hill nature reserve. Our staff will be on site this morning to assess the damage in full, and we would like to express our sincere thanks to the West Midlands Fire Service and their 30 officers who attended to deal with the fire.

Portway Hill is carefully managed by our Conservation Officers with the support of dedicated volunteers. The site is a local stronghold for stunning Marbled White butterflies. Amongst its rich wildflower meadow bloom scarce plants such as Pyramidal Orchids and Bee Orchids. There is geology of international importance to be found here. Our staff will work hard to facilitate nature's recovery across the site.

Nature reserves across the region are at serious risk of fire this summer. We implore everyone in our community to do everything they can to prevent wildfires whilst out visiting green spaces -
❌No fires
❌No barbeques
❌No littering
❌No cigarette butts
One spark can destroy a wealth of wildlife which we simply cannot afford to lose.

Six fire engines have been sent to Portway Hill, part of the Rowley Hills in Oldbury.

28/07/2026

A VERY limited number of tickets (3!) have opened up for our Archaeology and Nature Walk at Moseley Bog at 11.00am this Thursday 30th July. Be quick if you'd like to join us and archaeologist Dr Mike Hodder to discover thousands of years of history amongst Moseley Bog & Joy's Wood's stunning woodlands and meadows. Book now and we look forward to seeing you there: eventbrite.co.uk/e/archaeology-and-nature-walk-in-moseley-bog-tickets-1989395565690

28/07/2026

We're hiring! We're looking for a Biodiversity Data and Evidence Officer to help support the collection, collation, and digitisation of ecological data relating to species, sites and habitats across our landscape.

Biodiversity data is critical to nature's recovery - join us to work for a wilder Birmingham and Black Country. Apply now: bbcwildlife.org.uk/jobs/biodiversity-data-and-evidence-officer-0

27/07/2026

We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Oddie, a passionate naturalist and wildlife campaigner, and a man who brought birds into the homes of millions of people. Having been born in Rochdale, Bill moved to Birmingham at a young age and it was here, especially around Bartley Reservoir, that he developed his lifelong love for birding. The reservoir featured in his books and television appearances, as his programmes such as 'Birding With Bill Oddie' and 'Bill Oddie Goes Wild' helped to show off the beauty of our native birds and inspire legions of future birders and naturalists.
Even amongst Birmingham's urban landscape, there are birds and beauty to be found here that can lead to a lifetime of love and fascination for nature. To pass on that love to others is surely one of the greatest legacies you can leave. Good birding, Bill.

17/07/2026

🚨THINK OF WILDLIFE🚨 We are extremely saddened to see the impact of a large wildfire which has burnt a significant portion of Castle Vale Meadows. We created this native wildflower meadow in 2013 alongside The Community Environmental Trust, Birmingham City Council and The University of Wolverhampton and it has since provided a hugely valuable habitat for wildlife. In early spring each year, hundreds of locally rare Green-Winged Orchids bloom here, and throughout the flowering season, the meadow provides essential food for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

In this hot weather, especially in a period of such little rain, we all have a duty to do everything we can to avoid causing fires. PLEASE follow these simple rules when out in nature:
- No fires
- No disposable barbeques
- Take ALL your litter home or dispose of it properly
- If you see something suspicious, report it

The UK has lost approximately 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s. We cannot afford to lose any more. Our precious pollinators cannot afford to lose their food sources.

For nature's sake, be responsible.

11/07/2026

We're looking forward to seeing everybody today at our Open Day at Moseley Bog! We'll have gazebos for shade, plenty of water, an ice cream van, and did you know that it can be anywhere between 5-15 degrees cooler in a woodland than in an unshaded area? So come and discover this special woodland which inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to create the Old Forest in Middle Earth! Find out more: bbcwildlife.org.uk/events/2026-07-11-championing-nature-open-day-moseley-bog

04/07/2026

Come and discover a wealth of wonderful wildlife! It's just ONE WEEK until our Open Day at Moseley Bog! Join us on Saturday 11th July, 11.00-16.00, for wildlife walks, family-friendly activities, nature crafts and more. There will be much to see and lots to learn amongst the reserve's stunning habitats, from atmospheric woodlands to wildflower meadows.

Click the link in the comments to find out all you can expect on the day! Please note that some of our walks have very limited space remaining, so book your FREE places now before they sell out!

We look forward to seeing you there!