Chris Millward
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chris4patches.bsky.social
Chris Millward
@chris4patches.bsky.social
Urban & farmland birder, passionate about Brum & connecting people with their #CityOfNature for happiness, health, wellbeing & prosperity. Free guest speaker to non-profits, active conservationist through Nature-friendly Farming #BrumBiosphere
It is an absolute honour to be facilitating the development of the Sheepcote Street Nature Group.

This is such an exciting project in the heart of our great city!

There are so many amazing projects and positive news stories rising across Birmingham!
@bosfonline.bsky.social
#BrumBiosphere
November 8, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
A nice local story: Rare purseweb spider discovered by visitor at Kinver Edge - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rare purseweb spider discovered by visitor at Kinver Edge
The purseweb spider has not been spotted in the area before, National Trust bosses say.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 8:16 AM
It was great to join Friends of Stechford Hall Park on Monday

The park’s birds put on a real show and it was wonderful to feel the happiness as everyone connected with nature 😎

Highlights:
2 Green Woodpecker
9+ Pied Wagtail
13 Goldfinch
75+ Starling chasing a Sparrowhawk!
@bosfonline.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Last time out 2 Spotted Flycatchers stole the show

I’m looking forward to teaming up with Friends of Stechford Hall Park again tomorrow to connect the local community to nature for their happiness, health & wellbeing

Meet 11am at the play area off Stechford Road, B34 6AB
@bosfonline.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Pure #PatchGold!
10 Crossbill @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social this morning!

It is so energising, inspiring and uplifting to fall in love with nature every day!

Every experience feels just as powerful as the first.

I would highly recommend that you fall in love with nature too! 😎
October 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Join me and Friends at Highbury Park this Saturday 25th October to discover the miracles of bird migration!

Meet in the car park at B13 8NZ from 9:15am

Last time out a Tree Pipit was found showing how much birdlife there is in Brum waiting to be discovered!
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This is the 5th year that I’ve witnessed the return of winter finch & bunting flocks to @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social - it gets more and more exciting!

Nature Friendly Farming on this urban fringe has served thousands and thousands of birds in that time!

Time to roll it out around Brum! 🚜
October 19, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
A win for nature-friendly farmers! 🎉 The Govt has confirmed 1-year extensions to Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements - providing certainty for those delivering for food, nature & climate. 👉 “This was a key ask from NFFN, and it’s a strong signal,” says our CEO @linesmartin.bsky.social. #nffn
October 15, 2025 at 5:01 AM
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-...
October 7, 2025 at 2:22 PM
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-...
October 7, 2025 at 2:17 PM
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! 😎
October 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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
September 26, 2025 at 5:03 PM
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...
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!

💚
September 26, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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!
September 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM
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 😎
September 24, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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
September 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
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
September 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
2 Spotted Flycatchers Stechford Hall Park spotted at noon today and still present with group of warblers on central area near playground #WestMidsBirds
September 21, 2025 at 12:02 PM
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
September 20, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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.
September 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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
September 19, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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.
September 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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 💚
September 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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-...
September 2, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Reposted by Chris Millward
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
September 1, 2025 at 8:53 PM