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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: NOVEMBER

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.

DEER CULL: With no predators and 200 births annually, the deer population would increase beyond the Park's carrying capacity without human intervention. To prevent starvation and habitiat destruction, the deer are selectively culled during November and again in February. This ensures a healthy herd of 650 with the correct balance of ages and sexes.

RETURN OF THE COWS: The grazing trial continues for its second year with the return of 3 cows. They are held in a 4 hectare (10 acre) paddock near Holly Lodge. Cattle eat grass in a different manner from deer and are used on many nature reserves to change subtly the grassland and benefit wild flowers. The trial is intended to run for an initial 5 years. If the cows prove to be beneficial for Richmond Park grassland the implication is to look at extending the area if logistics allow.

PRINCE CHARLES SPINNEY: This small enclosure on the south-east of the Park is of about 5 hectares (12 acres) and divided by a path. The fence, which has steadily deteriorated over the years, should exclude browsing deer and protect low-level vegetation. This winter we are intending to overhaul the fence and ensure it is deer proof once again. This will be followed by an annual programme of woodland reforestation at 1 hectare per year. Most of the trees are tall and slender, offering little cover for birds etc. and the non-native trees offer even less to the ecosystem as a non-desirable food source. Trees will be felled and allowed to re-grow as multi-stemmed coppice stools where appropriate. The woodland will be densely replanted 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 complementary form. The overall effect should be dense low level foliage, supporting a better abundance of wildlife and ground flora.

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. They won the Rosse Cup for an exhibit of conifers, together with 5 first prizes and 5 second prizes for various other exhibits.

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS

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

• November: Friday 7^th, Sunday 9^th and Friday 21^st
• December: Friday 5^th,  Sunday 14^th and Friday 19^th

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 11:00am.

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

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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: OCTOBER

Horse riding: There are over 14 kilometres of horse tracks in Richmond Park, forming a choice of circuits covering most areas of the Park. When the ground conditions allow horses are also allowed to ride 'off tracks'. They can wander at will providing they are considerate to other Park users, avoid the areas used by ground nesting birds and go back 'on tracks' during the afternoons of weekends and bank holidays, when the Park is busy. There are 5 local stables offering lessons and hacks in the Park and a leaflet giving full details is available from Holly Lodge during the week or from the information point at Pembroke Lodge on weekends.

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.

Real Log Fires: Firewood isn't available from Richmond Park, as fallen branches are a valued habitat. However, as the days get colder we are increasingly likely to put the heating or light a fire. The best firewood comes from slow growing species like Beech, Oak or Hornbeam. Fast growing species like Willow and Poplar will light easily but burn out quickly producing little heat. However they are handy for getting the fire going. Logs are best cut and spilt whilst still green, stacked out of direct rain but where air can circulate freely. They need to dry (or 'season') ideally for 2 summers before burning. It takes a lot of effort to organise a reliable supply of logs but by installing a wood burner in your fire place will produce 6 times the heat per log - and all carbon neutral too!

Autumn Colour: 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!

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 2008

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

• October: Sunday 12th, Friday 17th, 24th & 31st
• November: Friday 7th, Sunday 9th, Friday 21st

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.

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

RICHMOND PARK OPEN DAY, Holly Lodge, Richmond Park: Sunday 21st September, 11am - 4pm. Take a look behind the scenes and see how the Park is managed. A fun day out for all the family. See Park notice boards for details, Telephone 020 8948 3209 or visit The Royal Parks website www.royalparks.org.uk

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: SEPTEMBER

Frogs and toads: The weather reports claim it's been the wettest August since 1912. This has been good news for trees and good news for amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts. Amphibians lay their eggs in ponds where the young hatch and live initially as tadpoles. Once they metamorphosize into adults, they can leave the pond and move freely overland. However, their skins are not waterproof so they only survive in damp shady places. This year the Parks amphibians have enjoyed the freedom of 'summer' travel like never before. On rainy nights in September the Park roads are sometimes littered with frogs and toads looking for suitable places to hibernate and creating a slalom course for nocturnal cyclist.

Bracken Cutting: Bracken is cut at this time of year. At first it is left in stacks out in the Park to start the process of breaking down. The deer may be seen competing for advantage on these temporary 'summits'. The Bracken is then moved to Isabella Plantation where it is composted for use as an acidifying mulch for the Azaleas and Rhododendrons. The months bracken cutting is in addition to the bracken 'bruising' carried out in August, which aims to prevent bracken colonising areas of more sensitive vegetation.

A tip for any duathletes: - The Park will be closed to traffic on 14^th September to host the London Duathlon. Although you won't be able to drive to here a good walk is thoroughly recommended, as the Park is less busy and quieter without the road traffic. Anyone daft enough to enter this running and cycling race will no doubt suffer from fatigue! However, help is on hand from a common plant found growing in the Park. Silver weed is effective for preventing sore feet because it contains a mild antiseptic and, more importantly, it contains a refrigerant that cools the feet; hence it's alternative name 'Traveler's Ease'.

Willow Pollards: The Beverley Brook is lined with about 130 trees, most of which are Crack Willows. As their name suggests, they have brittle twigs and branches which are prone to break, inevitably ending up in the river, and requiring a tedious removal job. To reduce this happening we 'pollard' about 10 trees each year. This involves cutting the branches back to a height above the browsing deer. New shoots quickly appear the following spring, creating an ever-changing cycle of different tree sizes and density of canopy along the Brook.

Fungi: Early autumn brings lower temperatures and an increase in the dampness. This stimulates the emergence of the fruiting bodies of fungi, when at other times of the year they exist as 'mycelium' hidden within the decaying wood and leaf litter of the woodland floor. Fungi that grow horizontally out from a tree are known at bracken fungi. Often seen on Oak trees the 'Chicken of the Woods' and 'Beef Steak' fungi are names based on appearance. The 'Birch Bracket' is also known as the 'Razor Strop' fungi because its tough leathery skin was once used to sharpen the edge of 'cut-throat' razors. Please note that fungi are an important part of the Park's ecosystem and collecting them will cause long-term damage. 'Mushroom picking' in the Park is a criminal offence and people caught doing so will be prosecuted.

 Adams Pond Restoration

During September contractors will be undertaking essential work to improve Adams Pond. The work will involve draining the pond, removing silt (that is detrimental to wildlife) and creating areas for marginal plants to grow There will be machinery working in the area and the pond will be allowed to fill with rainwater over the autumn and winter. We apologise for any inconvenience the work causes but trust you appreciate the need to maintain ecological features in the Park. For more information please call the Park office on 0208 948 3209

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN SEPTEMBER

THE HEATHER GARDEN: The summer flowering Ericas and Callunas continue to bloom.

LATE FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS: Magnolia grandiflora, situated on the secluded lawn to the south of Thomson's Pond, has a few last buds opening into large, fragrant, cream coloured flowers, while its decorative fruits form. Look out for Heptacodium miconioides growing below Thompson's Pond and also the Birthday Mound it is a vigorous shrub which bears lightly scented clusters of white flowers throughout the summer and early autumn. Clerodendron trichotomum has white and maroon fragrant flowers which are followed by bright blue berries, it can be found growing in the glade behind the toilets.

AUTUMN FRUITS: Set back from Thomson's Pond, are two stands of Viburnum. Viburnum opulus, the Guelder Rose, bear clusters of glossy red berries at this time of year and differs slightly form nearby Vibunum sargentii, which has bright red translucent berries. Viburnum betulifolium near the northern entrance to Wilson's Glade, has pendant bunches of bright red-current-like fruit. Also in Wilson's Glade, seek out the long seedpods of Catalpa fargesii. In the wild fringes of the Garden, fruits of native trees and shrubs, such as the Rowan and Spindle; Blackthorn and Hawthorn; Wild Rose, Dogwood and Blackberry, all provide food for wildlife at this time of the year. Euonymus planipes, below Peg's Pond, displays its red seed capsules, while the purple cones of Abies koreana, nearby in the heather garden, are encrusted with white resin. Look out for the Euonymus europaeus 'Red Cascade' set back in the lawn to the left of the path leading from the Top Gate towards the Acer Glade. This shrub has long slender leaves that turn red or purple in autumn. At the same time abundant pink clusters of ripe reddish pink, 4 lobed fruits appear which open to reveal white and orange seeds.

THE BOG GARDEN: Nandina domestica 'Fire Power'grows in the Island bed in the lawn area looks particularly stunning, with its broad leaves that colour scarlet at this time of year. Ornamental grasses look very attractive at this time of year; look out for Stipa gigantea in the large bed on the lawn side of the middle pond, with its tall golden panicles that last into winter. Growing nearby is Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' which has narrow erect leaves which are red tipped and become blood red at this time of year. The feathery flower panicles of Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldshlier' catch the wind in the streamside bed above the top pond.

PONDS AND STREAMSIDES: The last flowering spikes of Purple Loosestrife, Joe Pye Weed and Pickerel Weed provide a late source of nectar for insects.

Isabella Garden Walks 2008: You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year. Walks will take place on:

• September: Sunday 7^th, Friday 12th & 26th
• October: Sunday 12^th, Friday 17th, 24th & 31st

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.

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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: AUGUST

DEER: Now that the antlers are fully-grown, the 'velvet' covering becomes redundant. It dies and shreds before the deer thrash their antlers against vegetation to rub it off. At this time they may be seen briefly with blood stained tatters of skindangling across their faces.

TAMSIN TRAIL: This 10 km circular path used by cyclist and pedestrian has now been improved over its entire length. We appreciate this work caused some minor inconvenience to Park users but trust everyone understands the need to maintain this very popular path.

NEW HORSE RIDE: A new length of horse ride has been built around Prince Charles Spinney. It replaces a stretch that used to run alongside Test Hill but had become so worn that it was impassable. The old route is now closed and will be reinstated to protect the tree roots from further damage.

BRACKEN CONTROL: Where Bracken is invading areas of valuable acid grassland, it is being controlled by 3 different methods. The Shire horses 'bruise' the stems by pulling a specially designed bladed metal roller, which bends and crushes the Bracken fronds. Although less effective, we also harvest Bracken, which is composted to provide acidifying mulch for the rhododendrons in Isabella Plantation. Thirdly we treat Bracken with a selective herbicide, when appropriate. Other areas are retained to provide cover for birds and deer, which like to give birth and shelter their young in the dense foliage.

RAGWORT: This yellow grassland flower is an agricultural pest because it is poisonous to livestock. However, is also provides a useful nectar and food source for insects, attracting numerous butterflies and Cinnabar Moth caterpillars. The decision to control Ragwort (or not) always attracts debate, and arguably there is no right answer. The Royal Parks chooses to remove a good deal, but not all, Ragwort. We uproot it as late as possible, after the flowers have bloomed, but before it sets seeds. We concentrate our efforts along horse rides but in more remote areas, we leave a few plants to allow insects their food.

HARE BELLS: These attractive blue flowers are currently blooming. The name derives from it living closely alongside Hares in grassland and folklore states that HareBells chime to warn the Hares of danger. Well, not loudly enough even for the large ears of Hares, who were last seen in the Park in 1972. Local names include Witches' Bells, Harvest Bells, Heath Bell, Cuckoo's Thimble, Fairy Caps and Granny's Tears. In Scotland they are known as Blue Bells, but in the south of England 'Blue Bell' is saved for the woodland flower that blossoms early in the year. It is also considered unlucky to pick them - especially for Hares!

ISABELLA PLANTATION IN AUGUST

FLOWERING SHRUBS WORTH SEEKING OUT INCLUDE:

• Magnolia grandiflora - Occupies a secluded glade to the south of Thomson's Pond. It has large white flowers with a delicious fragrance set amongst glossy evergreen leaves. Petals fall to reveal striking seed heads.
• Clethra alnifolia - The Sweet Pepper Bush, also fragrant, is opposite the tall pine below the gate to Broomfield Hill and also below Thomson's Pond.
• Hydrangea quercifolia - on the Birthday Mound and elsewhere, has panicles of white flowers, and foliage resembling coarse oak leaves, which takes on rich Autumn colours later in the year.
• Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' - also bears panicles of white flowers, and is set in woodland near the gate towards Pen Ponds, and elsewhere in the Garden.
• Hydrangea aspera subsp. Sargentiana - Grows in Wilson's Glade in the north east corner, this upright gaunt shrub bears broad heads of flowers from late summer to mid-autumn, the inner ones are blue or deep purple, the outer ones are large and white.
• Sorbaria kirilowii - Also found in Wilson's Glade produces white flowers in large conical panicles throughout July and August.
• Heptacodium miconioides - Is a vigorous shrub that bears lightly scented clusters of white flowers throughout late summer and early autumn. It can be found growing below Thomson's Pond and also on the Birthday Mound.
• Aesculus californica - Grows behind the toilets set back by the service gate. This wide spreading shrub produces fragrant white-pink tinted flowers.

SUMMER FLOWERING SHRUBS in the Heather Garden include varieties of Erica vagans, the Cornish Heath, such as 'Mrs. Maxwell' - dark pink; 'Rosea' - light pink; and 'Cornish Cream' - cream. Several varieties of Calluna vulgaris have coloured foliage, such as 'Gold Haze' - white flower and gold leaf; and 'Robert Chapman' - purple flower with bronze foliage. Daboecia cantabrica has white or purple waxy bells.

ALONG THE STREAMS many native marginal plants are in flower, such as Purple and Yellow Loosestrife, Meadowsweet, Greater Willowherb and Hemp Agrimony. These wild flowers, along with the heathers, attract many butterflies. Elsewhere, streamside clumps of Hemerocallis, the Day Lily, produce a succession of tall yellow or orange trumpet-shaped flowers throughout July and August; each flower lasting only a day.

THOMSON'S POND and the BOG GARDEN, have fine stands of Pontederia cordata, the Pickerel Weed, with spikes of blue flowers amongst erect spear-shaped leaves. Thomson's Pond's water lilies are in flower and dragonflies patrol their territories. In the Bog Garden look out for the creamy-yellow flowers of kirengeshoma palmata which show until the autumn.

A MOTORISED WHEELCHAIR, which makes the job of pushing considerably easier, may be borrowed for use within the Garden between 9.00 and 15.00 on weekdays. Please ring 020 8948 3209 by noon on the day before it is required.

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

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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: JULY

DEER: About 200 young have been born this year. The calves and fawns accompany their mothers and will remain dependent for some time, still suckling until Christmas. The young frequently rest in deep grass or Bracken apart from their mothers and are still very vulnerable to disturbance or attack from visitor's dogs. Hinds remain very protective of their offspring and will react aggressively if their calves are approached too closely. It is best to keep to footpaths at this time of year and to keep dogs under close control.

Bracken Control: Where Bracken invades areas of valuable acid grassland, it is controlled by the traditional method of 'bruising'. The Shire horses carry out this work, pulling a specially designed bladed metal roller, which bends and crushes the Bracken fronds. This is more effective than cutting, in gradually reducing the plants vigour. Following consultation with Natural England we will also treat some very dense stands of Bracken with a herbicide. We also cut and harvest Bracken, which is composted to provide acidifying mulch for the rhododendrons in Isabella Plantation.

Ragwort: This plant is a concern to anyone who manages livestock. Whilst there are 3 types of Ragwort that are almost indistinguishable from each other, only common Ragwort is carcinogenic if consumed by animals in large quantities. It requires bear patches of soil for seeds to germinate, just the sort of conditions that horses hooves tend to make and can therefore become excessively established in horse paddocks. As a precautionary measure we remove Ragwort when it grows adjacent to bridleways. We also remove plants in larger stands, in remote locations but it does represent an important food source for invertebrate such as soldier beetles and cinnabar moths.

Ticks: These tiny insect-like creatures may attach themselves to animals or people passing through long grass or Bracken during the summer months. The ticks feed by piercing the skin to suck blood, which can transmit an illness, called Lymes Disease. The risk is very small and should not deter people from enjoying the Park, but it is advisable to take the following precautions:

• Keep covered up when walking through long grass or bracken, or use insect repellent if bare-legged
• Check your skin and pets fur for the presence of ticks, which may be removed by gently twisting and pulling to ensure that the mouthparts are not left behind. Carefully wash the area after the bite.
• In case of difficulty, consult your doctor
• A leaflet containing further information and advice may be obtained from Holly Lodge - 0208 948 3209.

IsabellaPlantationGarden Walks 2008

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

• July: Friday 4th and 25th
• Sunday 13th
• August: Friday 15th

Walks last approximately 1.5hours 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.

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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: JUNE

DEER: This month the deer give birth to their young. The Red hinds produce calves, and the Fallow does produce fawns. The young are not ready to follow their mothers in the herd for one or two weeks. Until then they lie hidden in deep grass or bracken. Their mothers graze in the vicinity, returning at intervals to groom and suckle them. At this stage the young are very vulnerable to disturbance or attack by dogs, or from people who find them and interfere because they think they have been abandoned.

• Moving or touching very young deer may result in them being abandoned by their mothers and thus failing to survive, so please leave them alone.
• The hinds may act aggressively if their calves are approached too closely.
• It is best to keep to footpaths at this time of year, and to keep dogs on leads or under close control.

WILDLIFE: Most birds, whether resident or summer visitors, are now feeding young or encouraging fledglings onto the wing. You may hear the incessant piping of Greater Spotted Woodpecker chicks form their nest holes up in oak trees. If you approach to listen they will immediately become silent.

June is a good time to look out for dragonflies in the reedy margins of ponds and streams. These are frequented by the Emperor dragonfly, the Brown Hawker, the Broad-bodied Chaser and the Black-tailed Skimmer, along with the Common Blue, Blue-tailed and Large Red damselflies.

Butterflies to be seen in open grassland include the Small Heath, Large and Small Skippers, Meadow Browns and small Coppers. Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Peacock butterflies maybe found around nettles, brambles and thistles along with the occasional migrant Painted Lady. Speckled Wood butterflies frequent the woodland edges.

BRACKEN:The Bracken that covers many open areas continues to emerge, reaching 'full frond' by mid July. Underground rhizomes interconnect the fronds, in effect, making it one big plant. It gradually creeps into new territory by expanding underground, pushing new growth through the grassland sward. Bracken gradually displaces the wildlife rich grasslands but it also provides Richmond Park with an alternative to the missing 'shrub-layer' that would otherwise exists in a deer free landscape. It therefore contributes cover for young deer and nesting birds such as Wrens but. The balance of habitats is maintained by the Shire horses that roll the fronds to reduce vigour and some initial trials with a selective herbicide took place in 2005.

JUNE IN THE ISABELLA PLANTATION

RHODODENDRONS: The spectacular flowering of the evergreen azaleas is now over and the stage is left to the late rhododendrons and deciduous azaleas, many of which are fragrant, set against a backdrop of purple-flowered, naturalised Rhododendron ponticum.

BOG GARDEN: The huge prickly leaves of the Gunnera manicata conceal its stout flowering spikes, and contrast with delicate fern fronds and the ribbed, glaucous leaves of hostas. Here and elsewhere bordering the streams, you will find Primula japonica, a candelabra type, in its red, white and magenta forms; lilac-purple Primula beesiana and fragrant yellow Primula florindae. Several iris species are also in flower, including Iris pseudoacorus, our native yellow flag. The Day Lilly, Hemerocallis hyperion, with its lemon-yellow flowers also grows in the beds beside the stream. The new island bed looks stunning at this time of year with the fern Dryopteris erythrosora showing coppery pink young fronds and the Swamp Honeysuckle, Rhododendron viscosum, bearing its spicily fragrant, white flowers.

THE BIRTHDAY MOUND: Digitalis purpurea 'Alba', the “White foxglove” is naturalised throughout this area which was planted in 2003 to celebrate Isabella's 50^th anniversary. This european native produces spikes of white bell-shaped flowers with a maroon spotted throat from a rosette of rich green leaves.

STREAM SIDE: Along the Main Stream look out for Galax urceolata, a clump forming perennial with large, round, leathery, mid-green leaves which turn bronze in autumn. It has dense spikes of small, white flowers.

WILSON'S GLADE: Look out for Neillia thibetica which grows opposite the Beauty Bush, Kolkwitzia amabilis, with its profusion of small foxglove-like pink flowers. This medium sized shrub has slender terminal racemes of pink, tubular flowers.

FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS WORTH SEEKING OUT INCLUDE:

• Liriodendron tulipifera, the “Tulip Tree” stands at the Broomfield Hill Top Gate and other locations within the garden. As well as having odd shaped leaves which turn butter yellow in autumn. It has peculiar yellow-green flowers, with internal orange markings, which appear in June and are tulip-shaped
• Stewartia pseudocamellia, grows by the path above the Heather Garden. This deciduous tree bears five petalled white flowers with orange-yellow centres.
• Kalmia latifolia, which can be found where the path to the Still Pond crosses the Main Stream. It is an evergreen shrub, whose intricate pink flowers, when in bud, resemble 'Iced Gem' biscuits.
• Styrax japonicus, the “Snowbell Tree”, has a profusion of small white bell-shaped flowers dangling below its slender branches. One of several can be found in the bay to the east of Thompsons Lawn.
• Azaleodendron 'Govenianum' has trusses of funnel shaped lilac-purple flowers which are very fragrant. A group grows by the sandy path leading to the west of the Garden from the behind the iron '1831' sign.
• Magnolia tripetala, the “Umbrella Tree” can be found growing in a glade set back of the Bluebell Walk. This tree has large leaves and in June produces cream coloured pungently scented flowers, which are followed by attractive red, cone-shaped fruit clusters.

GUIDE TO THE ISABELLA PLANTATION: Priced at 50 pence, this colourful and informative leaflet is on sale at Holly Lodge or can be obtained from the Warden within the Garden.

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

On 16 May 2008 The Friends of Richmond Park and The Royal Parks were pleased to mark Lewis' achievement by erecting a plaque to him at Sheen Gate, which had been the scene both of the incident in 1755, when Lewis had been denied entry, and the mass entry into the Park three years later. Around 80 people attended the ceremony, including representatives from many local societies.

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, unveiled the plaque to Lewis following speeches by Ron Crompton, Chairman of The Friends; Colin Buttery, Deputy Chief Executive of The Royal Parks; and Max Lankester, a Committee member of the Friends, who related the story of John Lewis.

Following the unveiling ceremony, a party of 24 or so, led by Peter Burrows-Smith, who leads the Friends' programme of walks and courses, walked across the Park to Ham Gate, where refreshments were on hand so that a final toast could be drunk to Lewis.

Below, left to right: Simon Richards, Manager of Richmond Park; Cllr John Farebrother, Mayor of Wandsworth; Susan Kramer, MP; Cllr Helen Lee-Parsons, Deputy Mayor (now Mayor) of Richmond; Cllr David Berry, Mayor of Kingston; Colin Buttery, Director of Parks and Deputy Chief Executive, The Royal Parks; and Ron Crompton, Chairman of The Friends of 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

RICHMOND PARK DIARY: MAY

WOOODLAND MANAGEMENT: The trees in Two Storm Wood were originally planted close together to ensure that sufficient grew. They are now large enough to undergo some initial management. Different species have been selected to form different components of the woodland structure. Tall species such as Oak, Poplar and Maple have been kept at full height and will be allowed to become the dominant canopy forming trees. Smaller shrub forming species such as Hazel and Hawthorn have been 'coppiced' (cutting to ground level, allowing them to re-sprout and form lower canopy scrub). The Goat Willows have been cut at about 3', where they first fork. These will re-grow dense bushy foliage and form a middle canopy in the woodland. The over all effect is to create woodland with a balanced structure, including dense, low level scrub which is important for nesting birds and other wildlife. Outside of enclosures it is impossible to create this sort of habitat due to deer browsing all vegetation in their reach.

THE POOR MAN'S NIGHTINGALE: Nightingales may be known for their beautiful fluid song, but listen to the Blackcap as it tries to impress a mate and you'll be pushed to choose which is the better songster. It is one of the 'Warblers', a group of birds that can be difficult to identify by sight. But Blackcap's distinctive toupee (the female has a brown cap) means that this little bird is the exception the rule. A few pairs nest in the Park and some over winter here too, but most migrate for the winter. To listen to a recording of the Blackcap, or any other British bird, look at the RSPB's web site - www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife

DEER: As moulting is completed, the sleek chestnut summer coats of the Red Deer are revealed and the 'common' coated Fallow again shows spots. Antlers will not be fully-grown and clear of velvet until August. The points of the red deer's antler, starting from the base, are named the brow, the bez and the trez tines. The antler in a single point, or group of points which form a crown. Stags with 12 points and a crown large enough to hold up a cup of wine are known as Royals. A stag with 14 points is an Imperial: more points than that he is a Monarch. The deer start to give birth to their young at the end of May and continue into June.

NEW HORSE TRACK: The horse track that runs down the steep Broomfield Hill has become so eroded that it is impassable in Winter. In addition the Beech trees that align the route are dying, due partly to the exposed roots where the track has eroded. Contractors are therefore building a new horse track around the opposite side of Prince Charles Spinney, the old track will be permanently closed off and the soil reinstated around the roots of the trees.

MAY IN ISABELLA PLANTATION

THE PEAK FLOWERING SEASON FOR RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS

RHODODENDRONS: On the lawn above Thomson's Pond are two beds planted with the Japanese species, Rhododendron yakushimanum, amongst a group of its hybrids named after the Seven Dwarfs: Sneezy, Grumpy etc. These plants are compact and very floriferous. (12) Also, seek out the tall 'Loderi' hybrid 'King George', with its large soft pink flowers which are sweetly fragrant. It grows in a number places in the Garden but most notably set back above the Still Pond. Follow the Small Stream down from the Still Pond to discover Rhododendron williamsiananum, a compact species with attractive bronze young shoots, distinctive heart shaped leaves and bell shaped, shell-pink flowers.

EVERGREEN AZALEAS: Easy to identify are:'Orange Beauty', the most orange of all; 'Amoena', small bright magenta flowers; 'Rosebud', opening buds resemble tiny roses; 'Palestrina' , white with a faint ray of green; 'Vuyk's Scarlet', large flowers of a deep silky red; 'Hinode Giri', bright crimson, around the Still Pond.

DECIDUOUS AZALEAS: These flower slightly later and often have a rich spicy smell, particularly Azalea pontica, (Rhododendron luteum), which is yellow and to be found by the gate to Broomfield Hill. (1)

THE BOG GARDEN: Look out for Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow', growing in the bed by the middle pond it bares orange-red flowers and has a reddish tinge to the emerging young shoots.The clusters of white or pale pink flowers borne on white-haired stems spreading throughout this bed are those of the “Umbrella Plant”, Darmera peltata. Also present are the young fronds of the “Shuttlecock Fern”, Matteuccia struthiopteris which show an attractive fresh green.

The native tree the “Whitebeam”, Sorbus aria grows near the Broomfield Hill gate and looks particularly attractive at this time of the year with its silvery-white young leaves. Skimmia japonica can also be found growing near this gate along the path that leads onto Camellia Walk and the Still Pond

The “Foxglove Tree”, Paulownia tomentosa (22) stands in the glade between the Still Pond and Old Nursery Glade. This large leaved tree bares sprays of fragrant foxglove-like pinkish-lilac flowers in Spring.

The “Pocket Handkerchief Tree”, Davidia involucrata, set back from the Camellia Walk, (18) has intriguing white hanging bracts. Another specimen may be found in a secluded lawn to the southeast of Thomson's Pond.

The “Snowdrop Tree”, Halesia carolina, with dangling white bell flowers, stands by the path above Thomson's Pond.

Cornus nuttallii, whose white bracts appear like flowers, can be found set back in the newly planted Magnolia Glade near the Ham Gate entrance. Also look out for the pale lemon yellow fragrant flowers of Magnolia wilsonii 'Yellow Fever' and the wonderful deep purple flowers of Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'.

Bluebells carpet the wilder fringes of the Garden. PLEASE KEEP TO THE PATHS TO AVOID TRAMPLING THEM.

Congratulations go to the Isabella team on their success at winning two first prizes, three seconds and one third prize at the recent RHS Spring Show.

(Numbers in brackets) relate to the self guided walk in the colourful leaflet, Guide to the Isabella Plantation, priced 50 pence, which is available from Holly Lodge, and from the Park Warden within the Garden.

The Royal parks' news and Isabella news are copyright The Royal Parks

ISABELLA GARDEN WALKS 2008 

You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.

Walks will take place on:

• May: Friday 9th and 23rd, Sunday 18th
• June: Friday 6th and 27th,Sunday 1st

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 11.00am

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

Richmond Park Diary - April

PATH AND ROAD SURFACING: Regular Park users will no doubt be aware that there has been plenty of ground workers repairing paths and roads in the Park. One of the main jobs has been substantial improvement to the Tamsin Trail - the 12.km circular leisure path shared by walkers and cyclists. The path was built over 10 years ago and has suffered from its own popularity, becoming worn in places from use as well as weathering. The path is actually extremely busy at times and any one point will often have a flow of over 200 people per hour - the Countryside Agency's rate for the very busiest of paths in the UK.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Every year the entire Royal Parks management are audited to see that we carry out our activities in an environmentally sensitive manner and are approved as meeting 'ISO14001' standard if everything is OK. This process has helped us to improve year on year. In Richmond Park alone we compost 2-300 tonnes of green waste every year and use the compost in the garden areas. All our timber needs are met from Park grown trees, felled for safety reasons or bought from sustainably managed forests.

SPRING FLOWERS: With the advent of spring our native flowers including Bluebells, Primroses and Violets are starting to show. Bluebells tend only to be seen where the deer are excluded and are the quintessential woodland flower. Since 1998 it has been illegal to up root bluebells. They emerge early in the year to beat the trees, whose leaves emerge later and shade out available light. Folklore states that anyone who hears Bluebells chime would not have long to live! The name Primrose comes from 'Prima Rosa' meaning the first Rose of the year. The five petals represent birth, initiation, consummation, repose and death, whilst a rare primrose with 6 petals brings luck in love and marriage. There is a Myth that Violets can only be smelt once.  Although untrue, the scent is short lived and one of the chemicals that make up the scent (iodine) has the ability to deaden our smell receptors that detect it.

CUCKOO RECOVERY PROGRAMME: This winter we have been working with the RSPB on an exciting project to increase Cuckoo numbers in the Park. We have designed and installed several Cuckoo nest boxes in very secluded locations, and will be monitoring them to see if the Cuckoos will build their elusive nests in the new boxes. If you happen to see a Cuckoo nest in the Park, please don't disturb it or tell anyone of its whereabouts. If you have any queries about this project please contact Ian Nightingale or Linda Pigeon at Holly Lodge - 020 8948 3209

Isabella Plantation Diary - April

THE STREAMS are bright with Marsh Marigolds, (Caltha palustris). The yellow hooded spathes of the American Skunk Cabbage, (Lysichiton americanus), which precede large rank leathery leaves, are conspicuous along the stream from the Still Pond.

CAMELLIAS are still flowering throughout the Garden. They are mainly older Camellia japonica cultivars and a number of Williamsii hybrids.

RHODODENDRONS. Along the Bluebell Walk, opposite the Acer Glade, look out for the bright purple flowers of the deciduous R. reticulatum. This month the Japanese azaleas start into flower. They are usually at their best during the last week of April and the first week of May. R.racemosum grows down the path from the still pond, it is a medium sized shrub that bears pale to bright pink flowers. Rhododendron 'Quaker Girl' grows in the glade set back from the path at the top of Thomson's Stream and bears trusses of stunning white flowers with a deep crimson throat. Look out for Rhododendron 'Bibiani' growing in a number of areas in the garden, this shrub produces compact trusses of rich crimson funnel shaped flowers with maroon spots. Early evergreen azaleas are beginning to flower throughout the garden look out for 'Kirin' a pale pink “hose in hose” (flower within an flower) and 'Sylvester' which has small deep pink flowers.

MAGNOLIAS. Throughout the gardens pink and white forms of Magnolia soulangiana come into flower. Along the Bluebell Walk are two small pink hybrids of M. stellata, called M. X loebneri 'Leonard Messel'. A larger one is set back by the Scots Pine to the far side of the Acer Glade. Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' one of the Gresham Hybrids grows in a ride off the Main Stream and has goblet shaped flowers, pink on the outside and white inside. Its flowers have a strong lavender scent.

DAFFODILS: In the Wet Lawn area near the top gate, the golden yellow flowers of Narcissus bulbocodium subsp. bulbocodium with conical cups and pointed petals have now appeared and succeed the delicate flowers of Narcissus cyclamineus, which are also naturalised in this area.

THE BOG GARDEN: Look out for the “Umbrella Plant”, Darmera peltata, which bears clusters of white or pale pink flowers borne on white-haired stems, its flowers are produced before foliage.

GUIDE TO THE ISABELLA PLANTATION. A colourful leaflet guide, costing 50 pence, is on sale at Holly Lodge and is also available from the Park Warden in the Garden.

WHEELCHAIR AVAILABLE. A motorised wheelchair, which makes the job of pushing considerably easier, may be loaned for use within the Garden on weekdays between 9.00 and 15.00. Please ring 020 8948 3209 to book the chair by noon on the day before it is required.

Isabella Garden Walks 2008

You are invited to join the gardeners for guided walks throughout the year.

Walks will take place on:

April: Friday 11^th, 18^th,  Sunday 27^th

May: Friday 2^nd, 9^th and 23^rd, Sunday 18^th

Walks last about one and 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.

In late February, the contractor Fountains commenced repair work on the access path to Isabella Plantation. They are based at Broomfield Hill Car Park, and are due to complete before Easter. One unexpected discovery has been an unexploded World War II bomb which had to be defused and removed by bomb disposal experts. 

On Monday 3rd March phase 3 of works at the Royal Ballet School commenced. This will entail works traffic for the best part of 12 months accessing the RBS from Roehampton Gate. 

On Monday 10th March Blakedown Landscapes began work to repair the Tamsin Trail. They have 3 separate gangs working simultaneously and are basing themselves at various car parks as they work around the park. Duration of works will be around 6 weeks and will culminate in the construction of a new horse ride to the north of Prince Charles Spinney. This will allow the permanent closure of the Broomfield Hill to Robin Hood Gate horse ride. 

On Tuesday 11th March Ringway commenced rebuilding of the road through Barn Wood. This entails closure of the road from Richmond Gate to Sheen Cross roundabout for a period of 10 days. Diversions are in operation for the duration of works. Vehicular access to Holly Lodge is only possible from Richmond Gate during this period. All works contractors are accessing the Park via Roehampton Gate. The surrounding Boroughs have been advised of the closure.

If you have any queries about the work, please contact The Royal Parks main Richmond Park office number at Holly Lodge, 020 8948 3209.

• Skylark conservation - a success story
• Cover for small birds - enclosures explained
• Celebrating 250 years of right to walk in the Park
• Tackling obesity without spoiling the Park

Below is the Spring Newsletter cover - courtesy of Tony Drakeford.

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 as many as 20.

Last year all the cygnets and many ducklings that hatched on the Pen Ponds and Bishops pond died. It is believed that disturbance and attacks from dogs were largely responsible for their deaths. We therefore have to ask for dogs to be placed on leads to allow young bird a chance of survival.

TREE PLANTING: The winter tree-planting programme has now been completed. We have planted over 30 new trees and replaced those that haven't survived the dry weather we've received in recent years. In addition to Oaks and Chestnuts, that provide food for the deer, trees bearing smaller seeds such as Alder and Birch have been planted. These provide food for birds such as Goldfinch and Siskin whose bills are especially adapted to cope with smaller seeds.

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 about 1:3, the aggression levels between males is kept low, yet there are still plenty deer with antlers to be seen and the number of young born each year is not too excessive.

• The shire horses in Richmond Park are now the only heavy working horses in London, and The Royal Parks have purchased a horse box, so that they may be shown more widely. They have appeared at the Barnes fair, and at the Weald and Downland Museum;
• Richmond Park's skylark protection zone is proving successful. Not only are there thought to be 12 pairs nesting in the Park (up from just two in the late 1990s), they are beginning to prospect out into other areas;
• A survey of beetles in the Park - part sponsored by the Friends - has revealed an astonishing haul of 347 species, of which 138 have conservation status;
• The redevelopment of the Richmond Park Golf Course includes a new clubhouse, an upgrade of the course, a 20-bay driving range and better access, while integrating the courses into the landscape of the Park; and
• The extensive rebuilding programme at White Lodge, the home of The Royal Ballet Junior School, has included new ornamental gates which opens the vista of the Grade I listed facade, previously hidden.

While this is primarily a statutory report to Parliament, it does contain a wealth of information about The Royal Parks as a whole. We may be able to have some copies to view in the Information Centre.

The vista from King Henry's Mound to St Paul's remains, framed by an avenue of trees planted in 1710, soon after the completion of St Paul's. The vista is protected; no buildings over 200 feet high can be constructed within a width of 488 feet (149m) around the vista. Nine other views from Greenwich, Primrose Hill, Alexandra Palace and elsewhere are similarly protected.

When Ken Livingstone published his draft London Plan in 2002, these views were not included for protection. After protests, the protection was re-instated. Now, Livingstone's London View Management Framework (LVMF) proposes to reduce the width from 149m to 70m, and increase the height of the buildings allowed, as part of his push to increase the number of high-rise offices in London.

Livingstone consulted with London Boroughs and other bodies on the proposals, but then largely ignored the objections. His proposals have now been accepted by Office for London, the central government department which oversees the Greater London Authority, and in principle came into effect in mid-July. Various bodies, including English Heritage and The Royal Parks, are protesting the decision.

Livingstone's own draft LVMF in 2005 described the view from King Henry's Mound this way: "the viewer experiences the intimate scale and rural nature of the location, quite removed from urban central London. Very little intervening development can be seen between the trees in the foreground and the landmark, and all visible development is entirely subordinated to the form of the lantern, dome, drum and peristyle of the Cathedral. Such is the distance of this view, atmospheric conditions have a magic effect on its visibility. In consideration of its future backdrop, therefore, the dome should always be seen against the sky".

This "magic effect" is what is now being threatened. The Committee of the Friends urges all members to write both to Ken Livingstone and to their MP's. Please copy Ron Crompton at the e-mail address below on any of your letters; he will ensure that they also get passed on to the relevant councils and The Royal Parks.

Ken Livingstone's address is: Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA or mayor@london.gov.uk

The 3 main MPs locally are:
Kingston & Surbiton - Edward Davey MP
Putney - Justine Greening MP
Richmond Park - Susan Kramer MP
All of them have websites on which you can post your letter, Alternatively, write to them at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

Please copy your e-mails (and any replies you receive ) to ron.crompton@frp.org.uk, or 143 Palewell Park, London SW14 8JJ.

The Richmond Park Information Centre, located adjacent to the car park at Pembroke Lodge, is now open. After the usual rush to get everything ready in time, we opened over the four days of the Easter weekend.

The Centre will be a focal point for telling visitors about everything that goes on in the Park, as well as providing information on the plants, trees, mammals, birds and the rest of the wonderfully varied wildlife. There are free information leaflets on many aspects of the Park life, and we also sell maps, guides, books and all the things you might expect in a well appointed Information Centre and Shop.

The Centre will open initially at weekends and Bank Holidays with a possibility of opening daily during August. It will be staffed and run by volunteers drawn from members of the Friends of Richmond Park, who are trained to operate the Centre in a fully professional manner.

Although we already have a large contingent of volunteers trained to work in the Centre, we shall need more, especially if we realise our aspiration to open throughout August, and should customer demand lead to extended opening hours. If you are interested in working as a volunteer at the Centre, you will be very welcome.

There is a training commitment, at present two days, which we hope to compress into a single day, held at Holly Lodge in the Park on weekdays. We are aware that some cannot make a weekday, and arrangements will be made soon for weekend training. Also, to be covered by insurance, volunteers must be members of the Friends of Richmond Park, where the subscription is £6 a year. That said, volunteers will have tea and coffee available in the Centre, and special prices at the Pembroke Lodge cafeteria and kiosk

If you e-mail your contact details to briangbaker@frp.org.uk we will respond with full information and next training dates

1. New access to the course from the A3 at Chohole Gate; access from the Park itself will no longer be possible.
2. A new club house located near the new entrance, replacing the one near Roehampton Gate. The clubhouse is designed to be environmentally friendly, and merge into the landscape.
3. Refurbishment and new layout for the two current 18-hole courses. One course will be longer and more challenging (PAR 71), with one new tee and one new green. The other will be shorter and intermediate (PAR 66), with 7 new tees and 6 new greens.
4. A (non-floodlit) driving range and 5-hole academy course, located near to the clubhouse
5. Management of the courses in accordance with the principles of nature conservation designations used in the rest of the Park. There will be 3 new ponds on the courses, and more "wild" areas. Since it has fewer people and no dogs or deer, the golf course is more unspoilt than the Park itself.
6. A new cycle path, which will go from the new Golf Course entrance at Chohole Gate alongside the A3 on the Golf Course side of the wall, across a new bridge over Beverley Brook and join the Tamsin Trail by Robin Hood Gate.

The Royal Parks has submitted a planning application for the Golf Course development and the cycle path to Richmond Council; it is expected to be discussed sometime during January. The Friends made a submission to the planning committee, which is broadly supportive, but with two concerns.

The path is now open. We remain concerned about erosion and conflict between cyclists and pedestrians and will try to influence management and policing of the path to minimise both of these.

• Winners of children's photography competition;
• View from King Henry's Mound threatened again;
• Lord Rix: living near the Park for more than 50 years;
• A ghost in the Park: where was the Old Lodge? And
• White butterfly at home in the Park.

We plan to have similar appeals from time to time as we see a need that the Friends can meet, whether it is a wildlife survey, facilities in the Park, or conservation of some aspect of the Park. We will post details of the next appeal on the website.