2010 International Year of Biodiversity in the West Midlands
17 May 2010
During the year people all over the world are working to safeguard the irreplaceable natural wealth of life on earth and reduce biodiversity loss. This is vital for current and future human wellbeing.
Key facts about biodiversity in the West Midlands
- 80% of the West Midlands is rural
- 20% of the lowland meadows in England are in the WM
- 10% of the surviving natural woodland in England is in the WM
- Only 6% of the WM region is covered by semi-natural habitat, which is wildlife friendly
- Birmingham has over 100 miles of canals. They are important for local biodiversity
- Wild birds across the region are still declining
- House sparrow numbers in Birmingham and the Black Country have fallen by 64% since 1979
- The Meres and Mosses in Shropshire is one of the three most important wetland habitats in England
Natural England and Sealife Centre join forces for biodiversity
The National Sealife Centre in Birmingham and Natural England have joined forces across the West Midlands to raise awareness of the International Year of Biodiverstiy.
The SLC, based in in Brindley Place, has between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors a week and is currently running Biodiversity Month. Throughout the summer their educational visits will include information and activities about the risks that biodiversity loss pose to people and nature alike.
For educational tours at the Sealife Centre Birmingham go to www.sealife.co.uk/local/schools.php
Anyone for a `Wild Day Out`?
Sandwell Valley Country Park is definitely the place to be on Sunday 6 June if you fancy a ‘Wild Day Out‘.
If you love nature, or are simply curious and want to find out more about the birds, bugs and beasts that live all around the West Midlands, come along for a ‘Wild Day Out’. The park is hosting a free festival of nature themed activities that the whole family can take part in.
Go on a mini-beast hunt, build a bird box, learn about the countryside crafts that are still vital for Britain’s wildlife, and discover the huge range of bugs, birds and beasts that make their home on your doorstep.
This is a great chance for some fantastic hands-on wildlife activities and you’ll be sure to go home thinking about the fun you can have helping the wildlife near you!
As part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity celebrations, the event aims to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity – the variety of plant and animal life on earth. Biodiversity plays a key role in our well being which will be highlighted at the event, alongside how we can halt the loss of biodiversity and celebrate the achievements made in reducing such losses to date.
Natural England have joined in partnership with the BBC and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to bring this free family event to you. The `Wild Day Out` event forms part of the BBC`s Springwatch season.
Event starts at 11am, and finishes at 4pm.
For more details, visit Springwatch Wild Day Out.
Other IYB events in the West Midlands
In this area there are special events throughout the summer including:22 May - Bouncing Bogs & Dragonflies, Chartley Moss NNR
6 June - Wildlife of a Lost Village, Stiperstones NNR
19 June - Haymaking Festival, Mottey Meadows NNR
10 August - Minibeast Safari, Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR
12 August - Wildlife Fun, Stiperstones NNR
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