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
Find out about @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social success story & how Nature Friendly Farming can feed nature into our lives on the urban fringe & within the @bbcwildlifetrust.bsky.social conurbation
Doors/bar open 6:30pm at Fairfield Village Hall, B61 9LZ, this Saturday. FREE community social event
Doors/bar open 6:30pm at Fairfield Village Hall, B61 9LZ, this Saturday. FREE community social event
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Find out about @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social success story & how Nature Friendly Farming can feed nature into our lives on the urban fringe & within the @bbcwildlifetrust.bsky.social conurbation
Doors/bar open 6:30pm at Fairfield Village Hall, B61 9LZ, this Saturday. FREE community social event
Doors/bar open 6:30pm at Fairfield Village Hall, B61 9LZ, this Saturday. FREE community social event
Great to return to @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social today after a leg injury
Finch numbers have predictably fallen after fireworks/storms but Yellowhammer are building and great to record 6 Reed Bunting.
Stonechat are wintering again at a new site but no sign of XC or BZ yet. Also Peregrine noted.
Finch numbers have predictably fallen after fireworks/storms but Yellowhammer are building and great to record 6 Reed Bunting.
Stonechat are wintering again at a new site but no sign of XC or BZ yet. Also Peregrine noted.
November 17, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Great to return to @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social today after a leg injury
Finch numbers have predictably fallen after fireworks/storms but Yellowhammer are building and great to record 6 Reed Bunting.
Stonechat are wintering again at a new site but no sign of XC or BZ yet. Also Peregrine noted.
Finch numbers have predictably fallen after fireworks/storms but Yellowhammer are building and great to record 6 Reed Bunting.
Stonechat are wintering again at a new site but no sign of XC or BZ yet. Also Peregrine noted.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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! 😎
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
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! 😎
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! 😎
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
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
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
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
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! 🚜
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
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! 🚜
Nature Friendly Farming on this urban fringe has served thousands and thousands of birds in that time!
Time to roll it out around Brum! 🚜
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-...
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-...
Also Linnet, Skylark, Yellowhammer…
www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-...
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-...
Also Linnet, Skylark, Yellowhammer…
www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-...
October 7, 2025 at 2:17 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-...
Also Linnet, Skylark, Yellowhammer…
www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-...
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! 😎
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
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! 😎
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! 😎
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 😎
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
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 😎
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 😎
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is their 1st nature event so will also be cause for a great celebration of Brum community development
@bosfonline.bsky.social
It was an absolute pleasure to lead a guided bird & butterfly walk with the growing number of Friends of Queens Park in Brum
Fantastic to record 21 bird species incl Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Sparrowhawk & Treecreeper and 5 butterfly species
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social
Fantastic to record 21 bird species incl Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Sparrowhawk & Treecreeper and 5 butterfly species
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social
August 31, 2025 at 12:20 PM
It was an absolute pleasure to lead a guided bird & butterfly walk with the growing number of Friends of Queens Park in Brum
Fantastic to record 21 bird species incl Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Sparrowhawk & Treecreeper and 5 butterfly species
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social
Fantastic to record 21 bird species incl Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, House Martin, Sparrowhawk & Treecreeper and 5 butterfly species
#BrumBiosphere
@bosfonline.bsky.social
I warmly invite you to join me on Friday 19th September 2025 for my walking workshop, “Life with Nature”
Together we will explore how our region and its people can thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives and boardrooms
Register here:
wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk/event/life-w...
#LSW25
Together we will explore how our region and its people can thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives and boardrooms
Register here:
wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk/event/life-w...
#LSW25
August 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
I warmly invite you to join me on Friday 19th September 2025 for my walking workshop, “Life with Nature”
Together we will explore how our region and its people can thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives and boardrooms
Register here:
wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk/event/life-w...
#LSW25
Together we will explore how our region and its people can thrive by bringing nature into our daily lives and boardrooms
Register here:
wmlifesciencesweek.co.uk/event/life-w...
#LSW25
After carrying the @bosfonline.bsky.social 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton over 150,000 steps to Brum’s “unsung superheroes”, what better way to recharge & reflect than to survey @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social
It was fantastic to see record numbers of Small Copper & Common Blue plus 106 Linnet!
It was fantastic to see record numbers of Small Copper & Common Blue plus 106 Linnet!
August 25, 2025 at 11:52 AM
After carrying the @bosfonline.bsky.social 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton over 150,000 steps to Brum’s “unsung superheroes”, what better way to recharge & reflect than to survey @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social
It was fantastic to see record numbers of Small Copper & Common Blue plus 106 Linnet!
It was fantastic to see record numbers of Small Copper & Common Blue plus 106 Linnet!
Don’t you just love good news!
Linnet have had a record-breaking breeding season @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social with a loose colony and 2 other sites occupied. 23+ were there today
Also Yellow Wagtail successfully raised 2 young, the first confirmed breeding on the farms this century 😎
Linnet have had a record-breaking breeding season @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social with a loose colony and 2 other sites occupied. 23+ were there today
Also Yellow Wagtail successfully raised 2 young, the first confirmed breeding on the farms this century 😎
August 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Don’t you just love good news!
Linnet have had a record-breaking breeding season @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social with a loose colony and 2 other sites occupied. 23+ were there today
Also Yellow Wagtail successfully raised 2 young, the first confirmed breeding on the farms this century 😎
Linnet have had a record-breaking breeding season @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social with a loose colony and 2 other sites occupied. 23+ were there today
Also Yellow Wagtail successfully raised 2 young, the first confirmed breeding on the farms this century 😎
….and here is the schedule for the baton’s journey this Sunday, 10th August
August 8, 2025 at 6:27 AM
….and here is the schedule for the baton’s journey this Sunday, 10th August
Here’s why the @bosfonline.bsky.social 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton, is making its way around Birmingham
This is a huge voluntary movement that is now contributing £1.3million plus a range of other benefits to our great city every year!
You can find the schedule for this Sunday below 👇
This is a huge voluntary movement that is now contributing £1.3million plus a range of other benefits to our great city every year!
You can find the schedule for this Sunday below 👇
August 8, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Here’s why the @bosfonline.bsky.social 20th Anniversary Celebration Baton, is making its way around Birmingham
This is a huge voluntary movement that is now contributing £1.3million plus a range of other benefits to our great city every year!
You can find the schedule for this Sunday below 👇
This is a huge voluntary movement that is now contributing £1.3million plus a range of other benefits to our great city every year!
You can find the schedule for this Sunday below 👇
Fascinating records @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social this week include:
Banded Burdock Fly
(Terrellia tussilaginis)
Wasp Hoverfly - Verrall’s Spearhorn
(Chrysotoxum verralli)
White-barred Tortrix
(Olindia schumacherana)
Just look at the eyes & leg barbs on Goldenrod Crab Spider to aid hunting! 😎
Banded Burdock Fly
(Terrellia tussilaginis)
Wasp Hoverfly - Verrall’s Spearhorn
(Chrysotoxum verralli)
White-barred Tortrix
(Olindia schumacherana)
Just look at the eyes & leg barbs on Goldenrod Crab Spider to aid hunting! 😎
July 3, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Fascinating records @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social this week include:
Banded Burdock Fly
(Terrellia tussilaginis)
Wasp Hoverfly - Verrall’s Spearhorn
(Chrysotoxum verralli)
White-barred Tortrix
(Olindia schumacherana)
Just look at the eyes & leg barbs on Goldenrod Crab Spider to aid hunting! 😎
Banded Burdock Fly
(Terrellia tussilaginis)
Wasp Hoverfly - Verrall’s Spearhorn
(Chrysotoxum verralli)
White-barred Tortrix
(Olindia schumacherana)
Just look at the eyes & leg barbs on Goldenrod Crab Spider to aid hunting! 😎
771 butterflies of 15 species were on the @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social transects today
249 Ringlet
242 Meadow Brown
82 Small Skipper
63 G-V White
51 Large White
26 Small White
20 Marbled White
16 Large Skipper
8 Comma
4 Gatekeeper
3 S Tortoiseshell
3 Peacock
2 Red Admiral
Brimstone
S Wood 😎
249 Ringlet
242 Meadow Brown
82 Small Skipper
63 G-V White
51 Large White
26 Small White
20 Marbled White
16 Large Skipper
8 Comma
4 Gatekeeper
3 S Tortoiseshell
3 Peacock
2 Red Admiral
Brimstone
S Wood 😎
June 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
771 butterflies of 15 species were on the @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social transects today
249 Ringlet
242 Meadow Brown
82 Small Skipper
63 G-V White
51 Large White
26 Small White
20 Marbled White
16 Large Skipper
8 Comma
4 Gatekeeper
3 S Tortoiseshell
3 Peacock
2 Red Admiral
Brimstone
S Wood 😎
249 Ringlet
242 Meadow Brown
82 Small Skipper
63 G-V White
51 Large White
26 Small White
20 Marbled White
16 Large Skipper
8 Comma
4 Gatekeeper
3 S Tortoiseshell
3 Peacock
2 Red Admiral
Brimstone
S Wood 😎
It was fantastic to submit my 10,000th wildlife record on @inaturalist.bsky.social this week
Almost half the species found were within 3 miles of Birmingham Cathedral
My 10,000th record came at the site where George Dawson developed the Civic Gospel that transformed Brum! #CityofNature
Almost half the species found were within 3 miles of Birmingham Cathedral
My 10,000th record came at the site where George Dawson developed the Civic Gospel that transformed Brum! #CityofNature
June 28, 2025 at 7:07 AM
It was fantastic to submit my 10,000th wildlife record on @inaturalist.bsky.social this week
Almost half the species found were within 3 miles of Birmingham Cathedral
My 10,000th record came at the site where George Dawson developed the Civic Gospel that transformed Brum! #CityofNature
Almost half the species found were within 3 miles of Birmingham Cathedral
My 10,000th record came at the site where George Dawson developed the Civic Gospel that transformed Brum! #CityofNature
It was great to record three new flies @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social this weekend, a Lance Fly of the Genus Lonchaea and two Soldier Flies:
Yellow-legged Black (Pachygaster leachii) and
Common Orange Leigionnaire (Beria vallata
Yellow-legged Black (Pachygaster leachii) and
Common Orange Leigionnaire (Beria vallata
June 22, 2025 at 7:22 PM
It was great to record three new flies @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social this weekend, a Lance Fly of the Genus Lonchaea and two Soldier Flies:
Yellow-legged Black (Pachygaster leachii) and
Common Orange Leigionnaire (Beria vallata
Yellow-legged Black (Pachygaster leachii) and
Common Orange Leigionnaire (Beria vallata
Marbled White & Six-spot Burnet continue to extend there range @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social They were recorded at new sites today and can be enjoyed along Manor Way for the first time in 10+ years
Bumble Bee Hoverfly remains local to Bibbey’s Hollow
Also 1st White-backed Tortrix recorded today
Bumble Bee Hoverfly remains local to Bibbey’s Hollow
Also 1st White-backed Tortrix recorded today
June 21, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Marbled White & Six-spot Burnet continue to extend there range @bibbeyswildfarms.bsky.social They were recorded at new sites today and can be enjoyed along Manor Way for the first time in 10+ years
Bumble Bee Hoverfly remains local to Bibbey’s Hollow
Also 1st White-backed Tortrix recorded today
Bumble Bee Hoverfly remains local to Bibbey’s Hollow
Also 1st White-backed Tortrix recorded today