Friends of Richmond Park

News about the Park

Latest news from the Friends

Overview:

Royal Parks' March News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS MARCH NEWS

Nesting Birds: The courtship behaviour of breeding birds is starting to become evident and Skylarks are performing their fantastic displays in various locations.  As ground nesting birds they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.  Dogs have a habit of running randomly away from paths and so the dogs-on-leads zone will again be marked out from March.  Since this policy was introduced the numbers of breeding Skylarks has increased from about 3 singing males to more than 20.
Last year was the first time that the dogs-on-leads request was introduced at Pen Ponds.  Although a minority of dog walkers did not adhere to the signs, sufficient numbers did.  It was also the first time for at least 3 years that cygnets survived. Hopefully this success will continue in the forthcoming breeding season.

Pegasus Crossing: Last month saw the official opening of a new road crossing linking Richmond Park with Wimbledon Common.  Situated  just outside Robin Hood Gate, the 'Pegasus' crossing is designed to be used by horse riders as well as pedestrians. It now means that riders can safely enjoy very long rides between to 2 open spaces and add interest and variation to routine walks.  Previous to the crossing being installed, the pedestrian footbridge was unsuitable for riders who had to risk crossing the busy A3 road.

Tern Raft: This spring will see the installation of a new bird breeding raft in pen ponds.  We have had a small raft in the pond for a couple of years and in 2009 a pair of Common Terns stayed for most of summer and attempted to breed.  Their interest in the ponds was also due to re-stocking the ponds with a number of smaller fish a few years ago. The Friends of  Richmond Park have therefore generously sponsored the new raft through money raised from sales in the visitor centre at Pembroke Lodge.  The new raft is 8' x 4' and fitted with Perspex sides.  These protect the chicks from falling in the water and help prevent other birds such as geese and gulls from monopolising the available space.

Mad March Hares: Hares behave excitedly in March which is their mating season. Their lively behaviour involves jumping and boxing and will actually continue for several months.  Lewis Carroll referenced this behaviour in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - “The March Hare ...as this is May, it won't be raving mad - at least not as mad as it was in March.”  The expression 'hare-brained' meaning mad, is also derived from Hares behaviour at this time of year.  Unfortunately Hares have not been seen in the Park for some time.  They were still around on the golf course until 1972, at least. They are longer-limbed and can run faster than Rabbits (up to 30 or even 40 mph) but unlike Rabbits they do not breed underground and are therefore vulnerable to dogs and changes in farming practices.   

Deer: The cull of male deer takes place in February and is usually completed by early March.  By keeping the ratio of male to female deer at no more than 1:3, the aggression levels between males is kept low, yet there are still plenty of deer with antlers to be seen and the number of young born each year is not too excessive.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN MARCH

Heather Garden
Here Erica x darleyensis ranges throughout in its pink and white varieties. Erica erigena forms taller dense mounds and is represented by "W.T. Rackliff" which is white, and "Brightness" which has rose purple flowers and bronze leaves. Set back towards the top of the Heather Garden is Erica lusitanica, tallest of all, with white flowers opening from pink buds. Erica carnea 'Myretoun Ruby' has recently been planted near the Swamp Cyprus its deep reddish pink flowers brighten this spot from January to May.

Camellias
Following the path which runs through woodland up the western side of the Garden you will find two of the many famous williamsii hybrid camellias: Camellia 'Donation', and C. 'Inspiration' near the ancient pollard oak. Nearby, the formal double white flowers, striped with red and pink, belong to Camellia japonica 'Lavinnia Maggi'. Camellias frequently produce 'sports', and you may find white, red and striped flowers all on the same plant. Camellia japonica 'Preston Rose' also grows in this area and bears salmon- pink paeony form flowers. Camellia 'Parkside' another williamsii hybrid bearing an abundance of large clear pink semi double flowers grows in Magnolia grandiflora Glade set back from Thomson's Lawn. Another garden favourite, Camellia japonica 'Alba Simplex' shows large white flowers with conspicuous yellow stamens and grows in many spots around the garden, including set back at the top of the main stream path. 

Three Wilson Plants
Rhododendron lutescens, is an early-flowering rhododendron species from China, small leaves and primrose yellow blooms. Many of these plants grow set back to the east of the Main Stream. More, younger plants grow near the fence in Wilson's Glade. Wilson's Glade is situated to the north of the entrance gate from Broomfield Hill car park. It houses a collection of plants introduced to this country by the famous plant collector, Ernest Wilson. Also near the fence of the glade is a group of Stachyurus chinensis, a shrub with long drooping racemes of soft yellow flowers. Close to the main path through the glade is Corylopsis veitchiana, a large erect growing shrub that also bears its flowers in large racemes of primrose yellow with conspicuous brick red anthers.

Magnolias
During March several magnolias come into flower. A fine Magnolia stellata stands near the path above Thomson's Pond. Many others are planted throughout the Garden, particularly in woodland areas on the western side.Two young Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel' can be found growing in Bluebell Walk opposite Acer Glade. This large shrub or small tree bears lilac-pink flowers that are deeper in bud. A more mature form can be found growing on the other side of Acer Glade by the Scots Pine.

Narcissi
Growing on the wet lawn near the gate from Broomfield Hill car park, the dwarf Narcissus cyclamineus, native of Spain and Portugal, has pendent golden flowers with narrow trumpets and upward sweeping petals, reminiscent of a cyclamen bloom. Soon to follow on this lawn will be N. bulbocodium, commonly known as the 'hooped petticoat', due to its widely flared trumpet.

Other Plants of Interest
The “Fuji Cherry”, Prunus incisa, grows set back behind the Witch Hazel's on the path leading from the Broomfield Hill gate leading to the lawn above Thomson's Pond. This lovely Japanese species bears small white flowers, which are pink-tinged in bud and appear pink from a distance. Clematis armandii, an evergreen Clematis with creamy white flowers grows up a dead tree in Beech Bay, the area between Thomson's Pond and the Main Stream. Rhododendron sutchuense stands above the Still Pond, this outstanding Chinese shrub bears a profusion of large bell-shaped flowers which are a rosy-lilac in colour with purple spots. This Rhododendron is another Ernest Wilson introduction. In the 'V ' between the streams area look out for two stunning Rhododendrons grown for both their stunning flowers and bark; Rhododendron shilsonii which has loose trusses of bell shaped blood-red flowers and Rhododendron hylaeum with its pale pink flowers. R.calophytum 'Robin Hood' grows above these two rhododendrons, set back off the main stream path and bears large trusses of pale pink bell-shaped flowers with a maroon basal blotch.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS
you are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • March: Friday 5th, Sunday 14th, & Friday 26th

Walks last about one and a half hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00a.m.

The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks

Royal Parks' February News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS FEBRUARY NEWS

Gate Opening and Closing: The road gates to Richmond Park are open between dawn and dusk by a security company contracted by the Royal Parks.  The times of opening and closing are displayed at each entrance gate and are on the Royal Parks website for the ensuing year.  The gates are closed at 16.00 hrs in winter, 21.00hrs in summer and adjust throughout the autumn and spring by approximately 15 minutes per week. Opening times are 07.00hrs in the summer and 07.30hrs in the winter.  The gates are closed to allow the deer and other wildlife the opportunity to move around the Park to feed without being injured by vehicles.  Pedestrian gates are left open at night but the gates are set to a double gate system that allows pedestrian access whilst preventing deer escaping.  Even the pedestrian gates are locked during the deer culls in February and November.  During the day the traffic gates can be left  open as the deer do not feel safe where there are high volumes of traffic.

Park Regualtions:  On 15th January Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture Media and Sport announced a number of proposed changes to the Park Regulations including the introduction of car parking charges in Richmond Park.  This follows a public consultation held in 2009. Subject to parliamentary approval, the changes are expected to come into force in the autumn of 2010.  Full details are on the Royal Parks web site www.royalparks.org.uk  Permission for a public demonstration against the proposals was given for 30th January and attracted a great deal of local interest. 

Deer Cull: With no predators and 200 births annually, the deer population would increase beyond the Parks carrying capacity without human intervention.  To prevent starvation and habitat destruction, the deer are selectively culled during November and again in February.  This ensures a healthy herd of 630 with the correct balance of ages and sexes.

Cows: The 5 Cows continue to graze the 4-hectare paddock on Sawyer's Hill, near Holly Lodge.  This trial grazing project is being undertaken to see if the cows have a beneficial effect on the rare acid grassland.  Cows were known to have roamed Richmond Park at least until 1943 and it is thought that their absence has contributed to the decline of species diversity of the grassland.  The cows (Highland and Dexters) will remain until they have eaten all the grass required or the grazier needs them elsewhere.

Tree Planting:  During February the estate maintenance team will be busy planting trees.  Some of their work will be the replacement of larger trees in the wooden deer guards that have not established.   They are also planting a new boundary screen of holly, privet and thorn around the edge of Sidmouth woods.  A traditional livestock hedge will be planted around the fence at the new pond by Cambrian Gate.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN FEBRUARY

Trees and Shrubs with Coloured and Textured Bark
The pollarded willows on the banks of Peg's Pond are forms of Salix alba, with amber and red stems.
Yellow-stemmed dogwood, Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea', grows nearby under the weeping willow, and in the Bog Garden.
Red-stemmed dogwood, Cornus alba, is set back behind the heathers, and throughout the Bog Garden. Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' has orange and red stems which show throughout the winter months and can also be found in the Bog Garden.
The “River Birch”, Betula nigra, has papery shredding buff coloured bark. Two of these trees grow on the north side of the Main Stream; one above the Heather Garden and the other towards the top.
Three “Himalayan Birches”, B. jacquemontii, with striking white stems, stand on the lawn above Thomson's Pond.
The “Tibetan Cherry”, Prunus serrula, has gleaming mahogany-red bark beginning to peel into curly shreds. One is set back on the lawn to the north east of Thomson's Pond. Three other good specimens may also be found in Wilson's Glade.
Acer hersii, at the north end of the Acer Glade path, is one of several 'snake bark' Acers in the garden.

Heather Garden
Erica x darleyensis comes into flower in its pink and white forms.
Tawny seed heads of Erica vagans remain decorative all winter.
The tall “Portugal Heath”, Erica lusitanica, bears slightly fragrant tubular white flowers opening from pink buds throughout winter.
Clumps may be found towards the top of the Heather Garden, near the junction of Thomson's Stream and the Main Stream.
Nandina domestica “Sacred Bamboo”, is planted behind the heather in several places, is truly a plant for all seasons. Decorative evergreen leaves are tinged purple in spring and autumn, panicles of white flowers open in the summer to provide orange red berries throughout winter.

Flowering Shrubs
Hamamelis mollis, the “Witch Hazel”, has fragrant yellow tassel flowers. Two large shrubs stand by the gate to Broomfield Hill.
Lonicera X purpusii 'Winter Beauty' is a shrubby honeysuckle which bears tiny white fragrant flowers throughout winter. A group of these shrubs grows by the Acer Glade path.
Rhododendron dauricum 'Midwinter' is a semi-evergreen or deciduous Rhododendron which grows on Bluebell Walk and looks stunning this month with its phlox purple flowers.
Rhododendron 'Christmas Cheer' flowers pink in bud and fades to white grows alongside the main stream path above the Bog Garden. The name refers to the one time practice of forcing this plant for decoration.
Camellia japonica 'Nobilissima', with white peony form flowers grows in the woodland ride to the north of Thomson's Stream.
The williamsii hybrid Camellia 'Parkside' bears an abundance of semi-double flowers in a clear pink and can be found growing in the glade next to Thomson's Lawn.  Many other Camellias are beginning to flower around the gardens.
Cornus mas the “Cornelian Cherry” grows in the shelterbelt near the gate to disabled car park. It produces lots of small yellow flowers on the naked stems throughout February.
Look out for the daffodil Narcissus cyclamineus growing naturalised in the lawns to the left of the Top Gate which bare delicate rich golden pendulous flowers

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS

you are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • February: Friday 5th, Sunday 7th, & Friday 26th
  • March: Friday 5th, Sunday 14th, & Friday 26th

Walks last about one and a half hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00a.m.

The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks

Parking charges - reaction from The Friends of Richmond Park

Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, announced today that she will go ahead with parking charges in Richmond Park later this year. The final scheme is effectively the same as originally proposed, the only modification being that there will be no 6-hour maximum stay.

The Friends is disappointed with the announcement. We are not against parking charges in principle (in our own consultation among our members, 43% of the 400 members who responded were in favour of charges, 57% against). However, we have significant concerns with the scheme being introduced:

  • The rates are too high and the cost will be prohibitive for many people - up to £1,000 a year for dog walkers who come to the Park twice a day. We proposed a low-cost season ticket for regular Park users; this idea has been ignored.
  • There will be a large increase in parking in those surrounding streets where parking is free, which will cause major difficulties for local residents. The research commissioned by the Minister on this does not really tackle the issue.
  • The elimination of a 6-hour maximum stay will encourage commuters to continue parking in the Park for the day; this already happens at Pembroke Lodge car park - and now at Kingston Gate car park by hospital workers since Kingston Council extended their CPZ in November to cover the roads next to the gate.

The proposal does tackle the major problem of congestion in the car parks at peak periods (summer weekends and bank holidays) but only by penalising users of the Park at non-congested times. We think it would have been much better to have charges only for those peak times. 

The announcement also promises a review of the feasibility of a land train in Richmond Park, but people still have to come to the Park by car. We think that there should also be a review of ways of improving public transport to the Park, so that visitors would not have to come by car.   

The Friends of Bushy Park have proposed a toll on through traffic as an alternative to parking charges. We are currently reviewing this idea to understand its implications, and have asked our members for their views.

Friends News

Friends becomes a charity

We are delighted to announce that The Friends of Richmond Park is now a charity.

Becoming a charity has been a long process, which required a lot of preparatory work by a team of people. Our thanks to John Collier; Latham and Watkins, the law firm, who advised us on a pro-bono basis; and Max Lankester, our Honorary Secretary. And our thanks to all our members who supported us.

Friends funds two conservation projects

The Friends is funding or helping to fund two conservation projects in the Park. The first, to create a number of small enclosures, is funded directly by the Friends, and will cost about £1250; the second, to buy a new tern raft (at a cost of £900), is funded by the surplus from sales at the Visitor Centre, which is staffed and managed by Friends' volunteers.

The enclosures project will create a number of small enclosed areas, planted with bramble, a mixture of shrubs and a few small trees, with the aim of providing ground cover for nesting birds and wildlife. The fencing will protect the area from deer and dogs. Recent surveys have shown a significant lack of certain species of woodland birds in the Park, which the project hopes to rectify.

The tern raft project will replace the existing tern raft on Pen Ponds, on which terns nest, with a “new improved” one. The improvements include side panelling which helps to prevent other birds nesting there (and the young from sliding off!). Many of you will have seen the wonderful sight this summer of terns wheeling and diving for food in Pen Ponds; we printed a photograph of a tern with a fish in its mouth on the back cover of our last newsletter.  

Parking charges and toll on through traffic

As we go to press, The Royal Parks has not yet announced a decision on parking charges. We understand that, after the consultation earlier this year, The Royal Parks sent a recommendation to the responsible Minister at DCMS in late July before the Parliamentary recess. A month or so later, the Minster changed, and the new one, Margaret Hodge, requested additional information, including a short survey of car park users (socio-economic group, distance travelled to the Park, length of stay etc), which was done over a week in November. She had this additional information by Christmas, and was said to have made a decision then, with the announcement planned for January. So we do not have long to wait.

In the meantime, The Keep Bushy Park Free campaign, which is supported by the Friends of Bushy Park, is suggesting a 20p toll on through traffic in Bushy Park as an alternative to parking charges.

To quote them “90% of the cars in the park are using it simply as a short-cut and do not stop in the car parks; these rat-runners will get away scot-free. Meanwhile, genuine users of Bushy Park - including dog-walkers, joggers, anglers, sports clubs and health walkers - will be penalised by the proposed charges. Many locals favour an alternative approach of charging a nominal toll of 20p on cars travelling through the Park. This would raise more money than parking charges, would deter through-traffic which could use other routes and would not penalise those who stop to use and enjoy the Park.” See their website http://www.keepbushyparkfree.org.uk for more details.

The Keep Bushy Park Free campaign and others have followed up this idea with letters to local newspapers - most recently in the January 1 edition of the Richmond and Twickenham Times, which carried three articles discussing a toll on through traffic in Bushy Park.

In the parking charges consultation the Friends of Richmond Park did with its members earlier this year we did not ask about a toll on through traffic in Richmond Park, but a number of people wrote on their responses that a small charge on through traffic would be a fairer way of raising money than parking charges. 

Typical comments included “The biggest issue in the Parks is not those who come by car to use the Park but those who drive through it as a short cut”. “The most radical solution would be to charge people on exit UNLESS they spent say 45 minutes or more in Richmond Park.","Parking charges leaves wholly unpenalised those who merely use it for a short-cut”.“If the park has to raise money every vehicle entering the park should pay a small fee - say 40p”. 

We do not know whether The Royal Parks or Margaret Hodge is treating the idea of a toll on through traffic road tolls as a serious alternative to parking charges, but it is obviously becoming a live issue.

Since there is no specific proposal as yet, we do not intend to do a formal consultation of our members, as on parking charges.

Award for FRP Website

In November, FRP won an award from the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies for our website. This comes on top of a win in recent years for the FRP Newsletter in the same set of awards. Congratulations to Nick Coleman, who manages the website, and to SAV, the firm of website designers who designed and now maintain the FRP website for free. We are about to “refresh” our website, since it is over 4 years old, and are asking for a volunteer to help or take over the website from Nick - see the enclosed request for volunteers.

AGM and Open Day

Two dates for your diary. First, the Friends AGM will be held on Saturday 24th April at Kings House School in Richmond (the same venue as last year); proceedings will start with coffee at 10.30 a.m.

Second, the Park Open Day will be on Sunday 19th September. As before, it will be at Holly Lodge, with events, stalls, refreshments for all the family, and experts to answer your questions on the Park. The Friends will have a stand there and provide volunteers to steward the day.

Deer Cull - Statement from The Royal Parks

The keeping of deer in enclosed English parkland has a long heritage.  Although many ancient parks were originally maintained for hunting purposes, in recent times it is recognized that the deer herds of the Royal Parks in London are an integral part of the parks' ecosystem, as well as being a valuable amenity and educational feature.  These parkland deer are wild animals, which are not regularly shepherded or handled; they are left to breed normally and to establish normal social behaviour. 

All deer parks have a maximum capacity of deer numbers, which must not be exceeded to avoid problems of disease and damage to the natural environment (the complex ecosystems for which Richmond Park is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve and a European Special Area of Conservation,  being of particular importance). 

The British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales, who are regarded as the main welfare organizations dealing with the welfare and management of deer nationally, recognize that parkland deer numbers must be managed and that removal of some of the deer is necessary each year to keep populations at acceptable levels. 

The British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative fully endorse the humane shooting of deer as the optimum method of deer control in the Royal Parks. There are currently no realistic prospects of limiting the fertility of the deer by contraception in the Royal Parks and, in contrast to deer farms, there are no facilities to catch and re-locate the deer.  As all deer parks already have deer that breed prolifically and wild deer are increasing in numbers across England, the re-location of deer in large numbers from deer parks is not a realistic or sustainable option because the problem would just be transferred elsewhere.

It is worth stating that the standard and humaneness of the culling in the Royal Parks is scrutinized and approved each year by the nominated veterinary surgeon caring for the health and welfare of the deer. There is no sensible or realistic alternative to the current management practice of humanely culling the deer.  The personnel involved in the culling of the deer are very experienced and highly skilled marksmen.  There is no evidence that the deer herds suffer any disruption or stress because of the cull and the individuals that are selected for removal are instantly and humanely killed without experiencing any fear or distress. 

Without such planned and monitored control of the deer population, the herds would increase by some 30% annually and both the deer and the parks would suffer from overcrowding very quickly.

When deer populations build up to unnatural levels, the risks of disease and malnutrition become very great.  There are no natural predators of deer in the UK, certainly none in the parks and it would clearly be unacceptable to allow over population and starvation to become the controlling factors of the deer herds.

Rounding up, handling and transporting the deer (particularly Fallow deer) to alternative locations can result in great stress and a high risk of injury, as the deer are effectively wild and have never been selected or conditioned to being handled like cattle.  Catching a few deer by one means or another might be possible, but the losses and stresses involved with such operations are generally regarded as unacceptable on welfare grounds and limited catching would not provide a solution to the ongoing growth of the population by natural breeding.  Deer that have been moved between sites following the use of tranquillizers cannot be allowed to enter the human food chain and this precludes the direct release of deer back into the wild.

Pen Ponds Dog Rescue Across the Ice

While walking in the Park this morning, Steve Williams happened upon a dramatic dog rescue at Pen Ponds. Steve kindly put some photos and a short video up onto his blog site and wondered if it might be worthy of a wider audience than his regular beer-geek buddies.

The link is here if you would like to see how the London Fire Brigade rescued a young dog from the island on lower Pen Ponds. A happy ending and hopefully a lesson learned to those who insist on letting their dogs off-lead around the Ponds. 

Royal Parks' January News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS JANUARY NEWS

The Big Freeze: December saw a drop in temperature to below zero for several days.  The Park staff work exceptionally hard to keep the Park running as normal.  Ordinarily a team start work at 4.30 am to grit the roads before the Park gates are opened for 7.30 am. But when overnight sleet or snow is predicted the roads are checked every few hours throughout the night to monitor conditions.  If necessary a team of people are then woken from their slumber to help the gritting crew clear snow.  Although unusual, it is sometime not possible to open all the Park roads by 7.30.a.m.  When this happens all efforts concentrate on making each stretch of road safe in turn.  This only happens in exceptional circumstances and on most cold days the roads are open as usual for the commuting cars and Park visitors who are unaware of the nocturnal activity that has taken place in bitter conditions.

An Obituary to Barry Day.  It was very unusual when the Park's principle machinery operator 'Big Barry' did not turn up for work on Thursday 17th December.  He started working in the Park at 17 and for the next 42 years 'wild horses' couldn't keep him away.  He once said that he developed his love of outdoor work at school in rural Sussex where he learnt land-based skills.  He had a natural aptitude for anything mechanical and offered his skills and experience to anyone with car problems or re-build projects.  His knowledge of 1950's 'Little Grey Fergie' tractors was exemplary having driven and repaired them as a boy.  He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Park and would always know where drains would be blocked, when a pond was last de-silted and how every path was constructed.  He witnessed many changes to the Park staff and managing organisations.  Right up to his final days he often worked past his official clocking-off time and came in at weekends if he could find a job or two that needed his attention.  Barry was a defiantly cheerful, charismatic man and always had time to chat to colleagues and the public.  His care free approach to life and anecdotal stories about 'Park-life' made him popular with all - a large man and an even larger personality.  Children were guaranteed a reciprocal wave from underneath his thick mop of hair, inside his passing tractor or Big Yellow Digger.  He understood how the little things in life brought the most joy to people. The Park is left impoverished without Barry and his absence leaves a quiet numbness that compares to the earliest morning of deep snow. He is deeply missed.

Top Woodland Award: Richmond Park fought off stiff competition to gain the London Tree and Woodland Award this year.  There are seven different categories and Richmond park won the award for 'The most innovative woodland project demonstrating community and biodiversity benefits'  The judges noted the positive work the park does for biodiversity when managing the veteran trees and enclosures such as Prince Charles Spinney and Sidmouth woods.  They also commended the community involvement through groups such as the Friends of Richmond Park and Richmond Park Wildlife Group.

Deer Feeding: The Park's acreage can sustain a breeding population of about 630 deer, of which about 330 are Fallow and 300 are Red deer.  Many years ago the herd was allowed to get much larger and consequently suffered ill health. Now the herd has sufficient food and enjoys good health.  Nonetheless, winter is a lean month and the Park staff feed the deer nightly.  They receive a supplement of hay (cut in the Park last summer), maize and deer pellets - which contain essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike a deer farm, the food does not support the herd or increase meat production; it simply ensures good health and vitality. It also trains the deer to go to the nightly feeding stands so that, if we do receive heavy snow, the feed can be increased accordingly.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN JANUARY

Trees and Flowers with Textured Bark
The pollarded willows on the banks of Peg's Pond, are forms of Salix alba, with amber and red stems.Yellow-stemmed dogwood, Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea',  grows nearby under the weeping willow, and in the Bog Garden.
Red-stemmed dogwood, Cornus  alba, is set back behind the heathers, Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' has orange and red stems which show throughout the winter months and can also be found in the Bog Garden.
The “River Birch”, Betula nigra, has papery shredding buff coloured bark. Two of these trees grow on the north side of the Main Stream; one above the Heather Garden and the other towards the top.
Three “Himalayan Birches”, B. jacquemontii, with striking white stems, stand on the lawn above Thomson's Pond.
The “Tibetan Cherry”, Prunus serrula, has gleaming mahogany-red bark beginning to peel into curly shreds. One is set back on the lawn to the north east of Thomson's Pond. Three other good specimens may also be found in Wilson's Glade.
Acer hersii, at the north end of the Acer Glade path, is one of several 'snake bark' Acers in the garden.

Heather Garden.
Erica x darleyensis comes into flower in its pink and white forms. Tawny seed heads of Erica vagans remain decorative all winter. The tall “Portugal Heath”, Erica lusitanica, bears slightly fragrant tubular white flowers opening from pink buds throughout winter. Clumps may be found towards the top of the Heather Garden, near the junction of Thomson's Stream and the Main Stream.
The “Sacred Bamboo', Nandina domestica, planted behind the heather in several places, is truly a plant for all seasons. Decorative evergreen leaves are tinged purple in spring and autumn, panicles of white flowers open in the summer to provide orange red berries throughout winter.

Flowering Shrubs.
Salix caprea stands at the base of Peg's Ponds and bears attractive swollen silver haired buds at this time of year before flowering.
Hamamelis mollis, the “Witch Hazel”, has fragrant yellow tassel flowers. Two large shrubs stand by the gate to Broomfield Hill. Another hybrid variety, called 'Jelena', has ginger coloured flowers and grows in the woodland ride to the west of the garden.
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' grows close to the Top gate and also set back in the glade behind Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'. It produces semi-double, white flowers intermittently throughout the winter months.
Lonicera X purpusii 'Winter Beauty', is a shrubby honeysuckle which bears tiny white fragrant flowers throughout winter. A group of these shrubs grows by the Acer Glade path.
Mahonia bealei has racemes of yellow flowers with a “Lily-of-the-valley” fragrance, and handsome prickly evergreen leaves. One group is set back to the south of Acer Glade.
Rhododendron dauricum 'Midwinter', also beside the Acer Glade path, has small rose-purple flowers.
In Wilson's Glade behind the stand of “Tibetan Cherries”, a form of “Winter Sweet”, Chimonanthus praecox 'Luteus' grows, it has sweetly scented flowers which are a clear waxy yellow in colour

A bird feeder has been placed on Bluebell Walk to feed over wintering residents and visitors. In addition to this water fowl on Peg's Pond are fed on corn over the winter months.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS
You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • January: Sunday 10th and Friday 29th
  • February: Sunday 7th, Friday and Friday 26th

Walks last about one and a half hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00 a.m.

The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks

Bird Notes - January 2010

November was a stormy month with high rainfall but with few bird sightings of note. A Green Sandpiper was seen in flight on the 3rd. This wader is just about seen annually. There were two reports of over-flying Peregrines on the 9th and 18th. Interestingly both birds were flying towards Ham. As their name suggests these birds can wander far so there is no telling where they came from, although it would seem the Park holds enough potential prey for Peregrines to be seen on a more regular basis. A large flock of Lesser Redpolls lingered in the wood south of Thatched House Lodge, feeding in birches.

December also saw some extreme weather with a prolonged cold spell, with some snow, starting before Christmas. This prompted some movements of birds escaping the snow cover and chill. Three flocks of 33 Lapwings flew over on the 18th. Another flock of six were seen on the 30th. Small groups of Fieldfares flew over on the 22nd and 25th. In the blizzard-like conditions of the afternoon of the 21st two Woodcock were seen, one almost flying into the observer, the other rather forlornly sitting in the snow on The Bog. Earlier in the month up to six had been seen one evening around the Park. On the morning of the 21st two Snipe were seen in flight and one was standing on the ice of the Upper Pen Pond on the 30th. There was no influx of wildfowl associated with freezing conditions, with only eleven Shovelers on the 25th being noteworthy. Five each of Gadwall and Wigeon made brief appearances before the cold snap. Sadly the last juvenile Mute Swan on the Lower Pen Pond had disappeared, perhaps a victim of the cold weather, and worryingly the female of the Upper Pond pair went missing.

Of the regular wintering birds five Skylarks and up to 27 Meadow Pipits lingered on The Bog, a 100 Redwing were in the Park's woodlands, perhaps as many as five pairs of Stonechats were around the Park and a flock of ten Siskin were seen in alders by the Upper Pen Pond. Three Grey Wagtails and at least one Kingfisher were on Beverley Brook.

These are the last of my Bird Notes for a while. I would like to thank the Friends of Richmond Park and the Park's managers for publishing them, Barbara Cotton for her patience and the Park's birdwatchers for their contributions. Special thanks go to Tim Howard, the Park's Recorder of Birds, for his help and many of the bird sightings. I hope these notes have been of interest and have given a useful insight into the Park's birdlife.

Jan Wilczur, December 2009

Royal Parks' December News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS DECEMBER NEWS

Return of the Cows. The grazing trial near to Holly Lodge continues for the 3rd year with the arrival of 5 cows at the end of November. We have been loaned three Highland Cattle and a mother and calf Dexter this winter. They are traditional beef breeds well suited to the rough grazing of Richmond Park. The Highlands are especially charismatic and popular with the public wherever they graze. They have important work to do, removing the thick layer of dead grasses that have accumulated over many years which allows the scarcer delicate flowers to blossom. This year we have also placed a few mineral licks in the bracken to see if this will increase their trampling of this dominating fern when they wander about their enclosure.

Goose or Turkey? Up until the mid 1800s, Goose was the meat of choice for Christmas dinner. Wild Geese breed in Northern Europe but migrate to England from October to March. Species such as Brent, Barnacle, Bean, Greylag, Pink-footed and White Fronted are all migratory geese. In the days long before commercial farming they would provide a mid-winter feast for anyone able to catch a wild goose. Farmed geese hold a lot of fat relative to the amount of meat (which is very tasty!). Visitors to Richmond Park are only likely to see Egyptian or Canadian Geese which are not migratory species. They are both introduced and naturalised birds which stay all year round. Nowadays Turkeys are more popular than goose as the Christmas roast. But turkeys are not native to Europe at all. They were first brought to Europe, from the Americas in the 16th century and Henry VIII is thought to be the first person to eat turkey in England, replacing his usual roast swan! It wasn't until the late 1800's that Turkey became popular with the masses. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were great trend-setters, were served with Turkey in 1851 and the Scrooge's gift of a Turkey in Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol' (published 1843) was seen as the height of generosity over the still common goose. You won't see any Turkeys roaming in Richmond Park today but in the late 1800's there was a short-lived attempt to introduce a flock of feral turkeys to Richmond Park - it simply proved too much a temptation to the poachers!

Deer. Now that the rut is over the deer disperse into single-sexed groups. They have grown winter coats consisting of a dark coarse outer coat over a fine inner one. The individual hairs are hollow, providing good insulation in cold weather. Frost may occasionally linger on the coarse hair of their backs after a cold night. As winter sets in, the search for food becomes more urgent and deer may cause severe damage to trees, particularly by bark stripping. Timber tree-guards protect vulnerable young trees. Deer can scrape away snow to get at the grass beneath, but find several days' continuous hard frost more difficult to cope with. From November to March the deer are given supplementary feeds of maize, hay and special deer pellets. Feeding takes place nightly on traditional stands, and as the deer gather to eat, the wildlife officers have the opportunity to monitor their condition and adjust their feeding regime accordingly, so bringing them safely through the harshest weather.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN DECEMBER

Winter Flowers.
Hamamelis mollis, the “Witch Hazel”, has very fragrant yellow tassel flowers. Two large shrubs stand by the gate to Broomfield Hill.
Mahonia bealii, whose racemes of yellow flowers smell like “Lily-of the Valley”, can be found set back in woodland to the south of the Acer Glade
Lonicera x purpusii 'Winter Beauty' can be found by the Bluebell Walk on the east of the Acer Glade, at this time of year it bears fragrant cream-coloured flowers.
Camellia sasanqua "Plantation Pink?, in the woodland glade above the source of Thompson?s Stream bears slightly scented, single, pale pink flowers with yellow stamens.
Prunus x subhirtella "Autumnalis?, the “Autumn Cherry” can be found growing set back from the path leading to Wilson?s Glade from the top gate. Following autumn tints to the leaves, this small tree produces semi-double, white flowers from November to March.
Garrya eliptica grows alongside the Main Stream path, this evergreen shrub bears long greyish green catkins at this time of year.
Sarcococca confusa, a small evergreen shrub grows alongside the Main Stream and produces very fragrant white flowers this month.
A single stand of Viburnum x bodnantense "Dawn? grows in a glade just off the Main Stream this upright shrub bears densely packed clusters of sweetly scented, rose-tinted flowers throughout the cold winter months.

Trees and Shrubs with Coloured and Textured Bark
Salix alba 'Chermesina' ('Britzensis'), the pollarded willows by Peg's Pond, have amber and red stems.
Cornus sericea var.'Flaviramea' nearby under the weeping willow, and also adjacent to the Bog Garden, has smooth greenish yellow stems.
Cornus alba "Siberica? has bright red stems. Two groups are set back behind the heather, others in the Bog Garden.
Betula nigra, the “River Birch”, has papery shredding buff coloured bark. One may be found by the path above the Heather Garden, and the other towards the top of the Main Stream.
Betula jacquemontii, three young birches with striking white bark stand on the lawn above Thomson's Pond. Several multi-stemmed forms of this tree can be found in the woodland area near the wild stream in the northern part of the Garden.
Prunus serrula, set back on the lawn east of Thomson's Pond, has gleaming mahogany-red bark peeling into curly shreds.
Several 'snake-bark' acers may be found throughout the Garden as well as other species of birch, all with interesting bark.
Acer griseum, the “Paperbark Maple” grows in the wet lawn area by the top gate and also in Wilson?s Glade, as well as other areas of the garden. This beautiful tree not only has good autumn colour but also a great colour to its trunk, which is particularly obvious in the winter months, as the old bark peels off to expose the cinnamon coloured underbark.

Heather Garden
Erica X darleyensis comes into flower this month in its pink and white forms.
Erica vagans, the Cornish Heath, has tawny seed heads which remain decorative all winter.
Erica lusitanica, the tall Portugal Heath, bears slightly fragrant tubular white flowers opening from pink buds throughout the winter.
Nandina domestica, the “Sacred Bamboo” provides a stunning backdrop to the heathers in this area, its leaves tinge red in autumn and winter and it also bears a profusion of spherical red fruits.

  • A bird feeder has been placed on Bluebell Walk to feed over wintering garden residents and visitors. In addition to this the water fowl on the ponds are fed on corn throughout the winter months.
  • The gardeners are busy preparing beds and planting out trees and shrubs within the Garden.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS

You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • December: Friday 4th and Sunday 13th
  • January: Sunday 10th and Friday 29th

Walks last about one and a half hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00a.m.

 The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks

Royal Parks' November News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS NOVEMBER NEWS

Prince Charles Spinney. Restoration work to has begun again for the second of approximately 5 years.  The southern half is being re-fenced to protect the trees from deer.  1/5th of the woodland is being heavily 'thinned' because most of the trees are tall and slender, offering little cover for birds etc and the high percentage of non-native trees offer even less to the ecosystem.   Trees will be felled and allowed to re-grow as multi stemmed coppice stools where appropriate.  In the new-year the woodland will be densely re-planted with species that form low level cover such as Hazel and Elder.  The initial effect will be stark but within a few years the woodland will grow back in a more complimentary form. The overall effect should be dense low level foliage, supporting a better abundance of wildlife and ground flora.

Forte - An Obituary. It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of the Parks shire horses.  Forte came to the Park in 2001 from Young's Brewery.  He was occasionally a bit naughty but when saddled with responsibility he rose to the challenge and had a calming effect on his workmate Jed.  His small hooves and a chestnut-coloured summer coat meant he didn't fit the fashion for show horses but his work ethic and tolerance made him perfect for working life.  In his career he appeared on television and radio and met celebrities and the royal family as well as performing countless hours of labour in the Parks. He retired from heavy duties this spring but still attended events until autumn.  Forte was in his early 20's and had been suffering with arthritis for the past few years.  Recently he developed a swelling that related to liver problems.  His discomfort led to a tired look in his eyes and so he was put to rest before he became critical.  Forte is mourned by his inseparable friend Jed and the Park's younger horses 'Billy' and Massey.

Deer. The high point of the rut is now over and the lean bellies and hindquarters of the exhausted stags bear witness to the recent deprivation of food. They regain condition by feasting on sweet chestnuts, horse chestnuts and beech mast, building up winter fat reserves.  Removing chestnuts deprives the deer of essential food. PLEASE LEAVE THE CHESTNUTS FOR THE DEER

Sidmouth Woods Boundary. For almost a year now, the London probation service has been busy removing Rhododendron ponticum from the boundary of Sidmouth woods - no small task as the entire boundary is almost one and half miles long!.  Rhododendron is an exceptionally invasive plant - it grows roots when branches touch the ground and takes over the entire woodland excluding all other trees and shrubs. Once it has been removed, stumps will be dug out (or cut and treated when inaccessible) to ensure it doesn't grow back.  The boundary will then be re-planted with native shrubs suitable for a boundary screen - such as Privet, Holly, Blackthorn and Hawthorn.  The work has been support by grant aid form the Mayor of London.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN NOVEMBER

Shrubs Which Flower This Month. Camellia sasanqua 'Rubra' has small single red fragrant flowers and grows in the 'V' shaped section of the Garden formed by the convergence of the Main Stream and the Small Stream which derives from the Still Pond. Growing next to this shrub is Camellia sasanqua 'Maidens Blush' which bears similar flowers that are pale pink in colour. Look out for more C.sasanqua's growing in other areas of the Plantation.

Autumn Colour and Fruits. Acers throughout the gardens assume a variety of autumn tints. Nyssa sylvatica, the “Tupelo tree”, growing on the bank of Thomson's Pond turns to shades of rich scarlet, orange and red in the autumn. Liquidamber styraciflua stands set back from Thomson's Lawn, this tree was selected for its reliable autumn colour. At this time of year leaves take on shades of rich black, crimson and red. Taxodium distichum, the “Swamp Cypress” grows by the side of Peg's Pond and also on the bank of Thomson's Pond. This deciduous conifer colours bronze in the autumn. When grown by water, larger specimens produce 'knee-like' growths called neumatephores. These growths come from the roots and project above ground to enable the uptake of vital gasses in waterlogged, anaerobic soils. Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the “Dawn Redwood” is another deciduous conifer and can be seen growing on Thomson's Lawn. Its leaves colour russet before dropping. Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion' grows along the Small Stream from the Still Pond. This shrub bears striking purple berries on bare stems. Euonymus myrianthus can be found growing in Wilson's Glade, this evergreen shrub bears stunning orange-yellow fruits that split to reveal orange-scarlet seeds. Arbutus unedo, the “Strawberry Tree” can be found growing above Thomson's Pond as well as other locations around the gardens. Red strawberry-like fruits are produced at the same time as white small bell-shaped flowers.

The Heather Garden. Forms of Erica x darleyensis and Erica carnea flower throughout the winter. Also look out for Erica lusitanica, the “Portugese Heath” a type of tree heath whose stems are crowded with white tubular fragrant flowers that are pink in bud. Nandina domestica, the “Sacred Bamboo” is planted at the top end of this garden. This evergreen shrub has purplish-red tint to the young leaves and a bears a profusion of red spherical berries at this time of year.

The Bog Garden. The leaves on two stands of Gunnera manicata, the “Giant Rhubarb”, have been cut down and placed over a layer of cut bracken covering the plants crown to protect the plant from the elements during the cold winter months.

Congratulations go to the Isabella gardening team for their success at the RHS Autumn Show held at the RHS Halls, Vincent Square. For the second year in a row they won the Rosse Cup for an exhibit of conifers, together with 3 first prizes and 2 second prizes for various exhibits.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS

You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • November: Friday 6th, Sunday 15th and Friday 27th
  • December: Friday 4th and Sunday 13th

Walks last about 1.5 hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00a.m.

The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks.

Bird Notes - November 2009

The welcome immigration from the continent of huge numbers of birds, notably of Thrushes, Starlings & Finches, is a feature of October. This can be witnessed as the phenomenon of visible migration where flocks of migrating birds pass overhead during the day, sometimes in considerable numbers. In the case of Redwings, they can be also heard to do so at night (as was especially the case on the 27th). This phenomenon is best observed from dawn using a high vantage point where flocks of birds can be seen approaching from a distance. With some skill and a little more practice the flocks can be identified using a combination of “jizz” (general impression of size and shape), obvious field marks such as wing bars and probably most importantly call. Sometimes the birds are heard but not seen! Along with the regular species something rarer may be detected although the five Bramblings noticed overhead on the 14th were not entirely unexpected amongst the Chaffinch flocks. Seven Linnets flying south on the 29th are themselves scarcely seen in the Park. Of the Thrushes, hundreds of Redwings flew over on the17th, but only a few flocks of Fieldfare were seen with 30 on the 28th being the largest. The maximum count of Song Thrush was 62 on the 21st. A few grounded birds were seen to be of the colder toned continental race. A tight flock of 33 Stock Doves began their migration on the 18th by flying up from Conduit Wood and circling to gain height before heading purposefully south. A Snipe heading high to the south-west was a surprise on the 10th and another was seen in flight over Pond Slade later in the day. A flock of 36 Magpies on the 13th may have been considered unlikely migrants. Towards the end of the month Wood Pigeons were on the move.

Grounded migrants included a Wheatear lingering for a few days by the rabbit warren on The Bog, evading dogs and their walkers. Canine disturbance was also avoided by five Skylarks that took refuge in the riding ring and up to 40 Meadow Pipits that sought shelter in the two remaining patches of bracken. Up to 24 Skylarks were seen to come and go from Lawn Field on the 9th. Influxes of Blackbirds occurred on the 10th and 29th with 20 on each day found in Hawthorns in the Holly Lodge area. Six Pied Wagtails were in the Paddocks on the 5th and small parties of Stonechats were encountered in open areas during the month; some should remain to winter. Flocks of Redpolls, Siskins and Goldfinches were found feeding in alders and birches and two Linnets flew off from Pond Slade on the 19th.

The most unusual bird of the month was on the day of the autumn bird walk, the 17th. A Yellowhammer was unfortunately seen by only one of the group perched in the lone dead hawthorn on The Bog. This declining farmland bunting used to breed in the Park up until the seventies. What may have been an even rarer occurrence was that of a flock of nine large finches heard and seen in flight on the 19th that were thought by the observer to be Hawfinches. A species of Buzzard was seen heading west over the Park on the 17th, its identity uncertain, but the observer thought it may have been a Honey Buzzard. Coincidentally, one of these was seen a few miles west of the Park the same morning. Also on The Bog, on the 15th, was a Black Redstart perching on the riding ring fence, this species putting in its almost annual autumn appearance. The last of the summer visitors were four Swallows (10th), a Wheatear (14th), a Chiffchaff (18th) and a male Blackcap (29th).

Returning wintering birds included two Dartford Warblers, the first of these found on the 19th and five Common Gulls at the Pen Ponds on the 14th. Also there were a Little Grebe, a Kingfisher, 20 Pochard and two male Shovelers. The latter representing a poor showing of the once regular dabbling Duck species. Cormorant numbers built up to 20 mid-month - the birds trawling in tight packs. Sadly one of the young Mute Swans had gone missing, its fate unknown.

Jan Wilczur, October 2009

Car Parking Charges

The Royal Parks (TRP) consultation on its intention to change the Regulations which govern what people can do in the Royal Parks closed on 1 May 2009.

Charges for parking in Bushy and Richmond Parks are part of the proposals. The full consultation documents can be viewed here : Royal Parks Website

The Friends consulted its members by post and e-mail before submitting its response to the Royal Parks consultation process. The Friends submission can be viewed here.

Royal Parks' October News

Information from the Royal Parks team in Richmond Park

If you are a member of the Friends, and would like to receive these monthly diaries by email, please send your name and email address to cottonbarbara@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL PARKS OCTOBER NEWS

The Deer Rut. The mating season reaches its climax in mid October. Male deer prepare for this sexual extravaganza by urinating in their wallows, coating themselves in mud and thrashing their antlers in vegetation to embellish them with Bracken. Roars and bellows sound across the Park as Red Stags establish territories and challenge rivals.  Stags assess each other's strength by body size, the dimensions of the antlers and the power of the voice.  A clash will only ensue if challenging males are evenly matched.  Opponents first walk parallel to each other, then turn and clash antler, shoving and manoeuvring until one of the pair is dislodged and quits.  Dominant Stags are usually between 10 and 12 years of age.  Each gather a harem of Hinds which must be constantly prevented from wandering, defended from rivals, tested for readiness to mate and finally mated.  This exertion leaves little time for resting or feeding and Stags lose condition and become exhausted.  This leaves opportunistic younger Stags to mate with one of the harem while the dominant Stag is distracted elsewhere.  During the rut, Stags become territorial and it is particularly dangerous to approach the deer too closely.

Autumn Colours: The best autumn colour comes when a long hot summer suddenly ends by a sharp drop in temperature and Maples produce the best colour of all in the landscape.  Close to Kingston Gate, above Gallows Pond a glade of Sugar Maples were planted to recognise the support of the Canadian Army during WWII.  The bright red autumn colour jumps out from surrounding Oak Woodland during October.  Elsewhere in the Park, the native Field Maple produces a subtle yellow leaf in autumn.  The Field Maple is associated with the heart and love and is said to bring contentment to those who are burdened by responsibility. According to ancient wisdom passing a child through the branches of a Field Maple would ensure a long life!

Fungi:  Once the summer weather breaks the soil and air becomes damp with autumn rain allowing Fungi to emerge without drying out.  Some species can be seen all year round but the abundance and variety are displaying now and last only until the first hard frost.  Fungi are neither plants nor animals - they are decomposers of organic matter, surviving underground or within plants all year but emerging as mushrooms or toadstools in order to reproduce. Some of these fruiting bodies are palatable to humans, whilst most are not and a few are poisonous.  Collecting mushrooms is forbidden in the Park as doing so will diminish the population within the ecosystem.  Despite what celebrity chefs say - If you do want to forage mushrooms, you will need the landowner's permission and avoid protected areas.

Migrating birds:  summer migrant birds such as Swifts and Swallows were still to be seen at the end of September - but not for long.  As the weather changes and the days become shorter the summer migrants fly south and we welcome the arrival of winter migrants that fly to us from their summer spent in northern Europe.  Look out for flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares (both members of the Thrush family) and for a varieties of duck such as Gadwall, Widgeon and Teal that use Pen Ponds for their winter retreat.

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN OCTOBER: EARLY AUTUMN COLOUR, FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Near Thompson's Pond: Nyssa sylvatica, the "Tupelo Tree" growing on the bank of the Pond assumes brilliant colours from gold to flame this month. Parrotia persica, the "Persian Ironwood", grows on Thompson's Lawn, this tree has a wide spreading habit and colours richly in Autumn. Liquidambar styraciflua, the "Sweet Gum" grows on a boundary lawn set back from the path, it has lobed leaves similar to those of an Acer but can be distinguished by the alternate rather than opposite arrangement on the shoot. Another “Sweet Gum”, Liquidamber styraciflua 'Worplesdon'grows on Thompson's Lawn, it  is pyramidal in shape, unlike most this cultivar often bears fruit in Britain. Both these trees are transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour with leaves ranging from pale yellow to dark crimson hues.
The native “Spindle Bush”, Euonymus europaeus can be seen growing at the top of Thompson's Lawn in the shelter belt area, its mid green leaves redden in the Autumn as it red fruits open to reveal orange seed. Euonymus alatus also grows on the southern boundary of the Thompson's Pond area and is one of the finest deciduous shrubs for autumn colour,  with leaves turning a rich rosy scarlet before falling.
Last but not least seek out Stewartia serrata standing below Thompson's Pond its leaves bear rich Autumn tints.

Elsewhere: Callicarpa bodinieri 'Profusion', bears dense clusters of violet fruit. A group of these shrubs may be seen on the banks of the small stream flowing from the Still Pond. A common streamside plant within the garden is Osmunda regalis , the “Royal Fern.” At this time of year the fronds turn an attractive golden yellow colour before dying back in the Winter months. Acers throughout the garden show Autumn tints and bear 'propeller driven' seeds. The red foliage of the large Acer palmatum above the Still Pond reflects in its dark waters. Hamamelis mollis, the”Chinese Witch Hazel”, near the gate from Broomfield Hill, turns a rich butter yellow. Look out for  Acer rubrum 'October Glory' which has  spectacular foliage in autumn with long lasting colours of rich metallic- red and orange. It  can be found  growing in a number of places within the garden, including the glade behind the toilet block just off  Camellia Walk.The large rounded leaves of Vitus cognetiae, the climbing vine shows stunning crimson and scarlet autumn tints, it can be found scrambling up an oak tree near a bench on the Main Stream. In Wilson's Glade Viburnum betulifolium grows alongside the main path at this time of year its long swaying branches are laden with red-currant like fruits.

Bog Garden: The three clumps of tall grass bearing elegant silky flower plumes and showing reddish brown are those of Miscanthus sinensis Malepartus. A form of “Sacred Bamboo” Nandina domestica 'Firepower' grows within the Island bed and the marginal bed adjacent to the pontoon decking. This compact shrub has  yellow-green foliage in Summer  which turns  orange-red in the Autumn and Winter months. Nyssa sinensis is planted in the main Bog Garden bed and also by the stream, look out for its narrow pointed leaves that are purplish when young and then mature to a brilliant scarlet in the Autumn months. The gardeners protect Gunnera manicata from hard winter frosts by cutting and laying the giant rhubarb like leaves over the crown of plants. As Autumn moves into Winter and the leaves rot a layer of bracken fronds harvested from the Park will be added to the leaves to further protect these plants.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS

You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.
Walks will take place on:

  • October: Friday 2nd, Sunday 18th and Friday 30th
  • November: Friday 6th, Sunday 15th and Friday 27th

Walks last about 1.5 hours and are free of charge.
Meet inside the Garden by the gate from Broomfield Hill car park at 11.00a.m.

The Royal Parks' News and Isabella News are copyright The Royal Parks.

Bird Notes - October 2009

Migration reaches a peak in September when huge numbers of adult and young birds pass into, out of, over and through the country. The Park is not a notable stop-over place for migrants, common or otherwise; its size for one matter means that migrants can turn up almost anywhere undetected. There are, however, a few “hot-spots”: the enclosures by Conduit Wood; the high ground behind Holly Lodge and the Pen Ponds. It was at the latter where two unusual migrants, for the Park at least, were found on two early mornings. A Dunlin and a Greenshank, two species of wading or shore bird, found the fringe of mud around the Pen Ponds a useful place to feed and rest, at least until they were disturbed by visitors. Maybe more of these kinds of birds would be seen at the Pen Ponds if there was a stretch of undisturbed shoreline. The Dunlin was only the 7th record for the Park, the previous being 22 years ago.

The other highlight of the month was the unprecedented number of 19 Buzzards seen one late afternoon. A handful of birds are usually noticed silently making their way over the Park each year, many more doubtless pass high overhead undetected: but not so on the 19th. Alerted by Buzzard flocks seen elsewhere in west London, two local birders stationed themselves at either end of the Park and scoured the skies. For an hour very little happened until a group of four birds was sighted soaring high over Roehampton Gate. Further birds were seen including two low flyers, each noisily attended by mobbing Crows and Parakeets. Forty minutes later the passage peaked with a spectacular 'kettle' of a dozen birds circling over Sawyer's Hill, before drifting westwards. Several more birds were seen on subsequent days.

Another bird of prey became more frequent in the Park from mid-month. Hobbies were seen on several dates including one hunting bats over the Pen Ponds one evening. Swallows, House and Sand Martins streamed southwards with several sizeable flocks noted while scanning for raptors. Warblers continued their migration with Chiffchaff becoming the dominant species with up to eight birds being seen, usually with roving flocks of Tits. Three Sedge Warblers, a couple Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler were also noted. Of the chats, Wheatears and Whinchats continued their brief stop-overs, with another peak of three of the latter on the 12th. The first Stonechat of the autumn arrived on the 17th, Meadow Pipits increased to c.75 on the 21st and two scarce Yellow Wagtails flew over on the 5th.

Next month will see the arrival of winter visitors and increasing numbers of diurnal (day-flying) migrants passing over the Park. A postscript to last month's notes, both Great Crested Grebes and Swallows in fact raised four young each.

Jan Wilczur, September 2009