The Friends of Richmond Park funds 30 new trees in Richmond Park
Photo left: We are funding the planting of 30 trees across Richmond Park. These will be stand-alone trees amongst woodland and parkland areas, complementing larger scrub and tree plantings. These trees will largely replace old fallen trees.
A mixture of tree species is planned – mostly oak, but also willow, alder buckthorn and sweet chestnut. The funding includes the purchase of the new fluted style crates promoting a more natural spread of the trees’ canopies.
The funding includes income received from sales at The Visitor Centre at Pembroke Lodge
New flight paths – the London Assembly votes for Richmond Park to be protected
We continue our dialogue with Heathrow Airport on the threat to Richmond Park’s peace, tranquillity and biodiversity from plans being developed by Heathrow as part of the national plans to modernise airspace. We have briefed local politicians on this threat.
The London Assembly recently debated a motion put forward by Caroline Pidgeon and Hina Bokhari, the two Liberal Democrats members, highlighting concern that Heathrow has included numerous flight path options impacting Richmond Park. We are pleased that this was passed unanimously.
The Civil Aviation Authority, which has responsibility for assessing Heathrow’s plans, has announced that it has not yet passed the plans through Stage 2 (development and short-listing of options) and requires more information on their stakeholder engagement. We await Heathrow’s response.
Look out for … mosses
Photograph by Nigel Jackman – taken in the Queen Elizabeth Plantation November 2023.
Mosses are bryophites (a term that includes both mosses and liverworts). These are ancient flowerless plants that produce spores and have stems and leaves, but not roots. Most commonly they are found in moist shady spots, so look out for them in the Park’s woodlands where they can sometimes form such interesting features at this time of year. They may be growing up the bases of trees, covering decaying stumps and fallen branches, or even carpeting, tentacle-like, the raised roots of trees, as in the photograph above.
New Edition of ‘What’s in a name’ booklet
In 2015 Max Lankester, a Vice-President of the Friends, produced a booklet setting out what is known about why various features of the Park have the names they do. Max has now revised and expanded that and the November 2023 edition of ‘What’s in a Name?’ can be seen here:
What’s in a name? November 2023
Volunteer rangers wanted for Richmond Park
Photograph from The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks is looking for Volunteer Rangers in Richmond Park. The Royal Parks are keen to hear from friendly and chatty people who are passionate about the parks and want to inspire and educate visitors. Volunteers will need to commit to a minimum of four hours per month.
Volunteer Rangers have a choice of two-hour volunteering sessions across weekdays and weekends that suit their schedule.
Denise Parker, a Volunteer Ranger at Richmond Park said: “I love being a Volunteer Ranger. I’ve learned so much more about nature and wildlife, met lovely people and made new friends too. It’s really rewarding sharing this with visitors and supporting conservation in this very special place.”
Apply to be a ranger here: Volunteer Rangers | The Royal Parks