Photograph left: Diana Loch sharpening the scythe ready for use at Holly Lodge Meadow
Scything the meadow at Holly Lodge
Friends volunteer Chris Goward at work in Holly Lodge Meadow
The Friends’ Holly Lodge Orchard Meadow volunteers assembled in July to cut half of the wild flowers down to ground level and to practise a new (yet very old) skill. With the help of Elliot Newton, Kingston’s Biodiversity Officer, they used scythes to do the cutting, a much more peaceful experience than the alternative (strimming) and one which gives wildlife a chance to escape. Limited cutting in midsummer gives later-developing plants an opportunity to establish in the meadow, which has been managed by Friends’ volunteers since 2021. They will be back in September for a second scything session. To see the meadow and be shown round by the volunteers, please come to The Open Day at Holly Lodge on Sunday 17th September.
Cyclist thanks Richmond Park police who helped save his life
PC James Levesley, Natalia Krivdina (Peter’s wife), Peter Krivdina, Dr Jessica Padley (assisted with CPR), PC Paul Barber
Two officers from Richmond Park police, PCs James Levesley and Paul Barber, were recently reunited with a cyclist whose life they saved.
On Sunday, 7 May, Peter Krivdina was cycling through the park when he collapsed and stopped breathing. He was 75 km into a 100 km ride. Two members of the public went to his aid and began performing CPR. They also called 999 and asked for an ambulance. A short time later, the pair were joined by several other people, including an off-duty NHS doctor and anaesthetist. The PCs were on patrol nearby when they heard the call. Within four minutes they arrived and also provided first aid until paramedics from the London Ambulance Service arrived. A pulse was detected, and Peter was taken to hospital for two-and-a-half weeks. He has made a full recovery.
This short video from the London Ambulance Service explains how to give CPR and how to use a defibrillator.
What to do if you come across a person in cardiac arrest – YouTube
The defibrillator units in Richmond Park are at Pembroke Lodge, Holly Lodge and Roehampton Café. The Park’s police also have one in their car.
Coming soon – Richmond Park Calendar 2024 and Christmas cards
The much-loved Friends of Richmond Park calendar and high quality Christmas cards will be launched at the Visitor Centre on Saturday 26 August, at the start of the bank holiday weekend. They will also be available to buy online, with details in a future bulletin.
Enjoy amazing photos of the Park’s wildlife and scenery, taken by talented local photographers, whilst helping to raise funds for projects in the Park.