A keen band of humans caught up with the birds on the Spring Bird Walk last Saturday morning.
Walk guide, Tim Rymer, summed it up –
“Lots of birdsong- Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Song Thrush etc, great views of Nuthatches and Stock Doves with nesting/feeding/courtship activity, Green Woodpecker and a few brief snatches of the elusive Firecrest in song.
As happens with birding straight after the walk had ended and people left Marcin, Jan and I saw three Swallows fly through.”
Many thanks to all who helped and came along to listen.
This peregrine falcon was spotted by Craig the week BEFORE the walk!
Spring is here! As if you haven’t already heard it from the birds themselves.
Come along and join us in a guided bird walk with Tim Rymer, a knowledgeable FSP member, who will lead us through favourite birdspotting areas of Shrewsbury Park.
It’s a prompt 8.30am start in the carpark off Plum Lane.
*Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing – binoculars are helpful too.
*Dogs are not allowed on this walk which lasts approximately an hour.
*The walk is free, but donations to FSP projects are welcome.
The route begins on paved paths but then goes off road through woods, not suitable for all wheels. Any access questions please contact werfsp@gmail.com
Bus 244 stops by the fire station, short walk from the carpark entrance
We hope you have had the pleasure to run across Ron Senkus sometime over the last five decades, working somewhere in the Dothill Allotments or roaming the rest of Shrewsbury Park being an active member and steward of Shrewsbury Park – and walking his dogs.
We’ll miss you, Ron.
But we know you’ll continue growing along with the trees and bulbs and veg and signposts and your immense knowledge with which you blessed the whole of the park. Ron served on the management committee since our founding meeting in 2006, sharing his extensive environmental advice, practical crafting skills and humour.
There is a plan in place to develop the Rowton Road open area which started as a hedgerow – planted by Ron and members about 8 years ago – and enrich it with native bluebells and tree with a circular seat round it in his memory.
If you would like to donate please click here.,….
We’ll let everyone know when planting begins if you want to help.
The ball is rolling! Thank you to all who turned out for a lively meeting of discussion and ideas. Plus we got to know our Ward Councillor Tamasin Rhymes through her chat on Greener Greenwich Community Network.
Think about how you can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the natural park residents and the neighbourhood users. And then put the Annual General Meeting in your diary for …
The Bat Walk on Friday 29 August did not disappoint!
Les took us on a winding route through the park with bat detectors at the ready, picking up the bats’ “shouting” as they used echolocation to gather their dinner.
The weather was on our side, mild, calm and dry. We heard many pipistrelles and a serotine and/or noctule. Interpreting signals is rather subjective, those of you who have experienced it. But the thrill of being out in the dark in the Park is always a bonus, as was the calling of Tawny Owls following us around.
Many thanks to Les Clark and Liz for making this happen. Look out for another walk in 2026!
Enoy this clip from the big field, the slappy noise is from the detectors picking up signals, and you’ll see a few bats overhead. Thank you to Marcin for making this available to share.
The Picnic in the Park ENCORE came alive, despite the cloud and occasional drizzle, thanks to a wonderful surge of volunteers from FSP membership and friends and relations. The Pearly King and Queens stepped up to the challenge with their portable power and bags of enthusiasm to kick off despite our loss of power source.
The Pearlys were joined by our Mayor Linda Bird, Good Sport of the Year. And there was a special written piece by Blossom and Nola. Mark and the Imposters along with Pytchwood provided the music with gusto. (a member who wishes to remain nameless gained us another hour and a half with portable battery.)
Many thanks to our Safer Neighbourhood team, our FSP wildlife supporters, Greenpeace, Green Goddess pub, Shrewsbury House, Back-a-Yard Grill, Ice Cream world, Lalu Catering, Wei’s Coffee, Mamas Little Rum Cakes and the Mobile Pizza Kitchen.
The crafts and community stalls always bring a splash of variety to the Festival, thank you for your support.
The presence of Greenwich Council members Sandra Bauer, Tamasin Rhymes and Raja Zeeshan was greatly appreciated as they mingled with constituents.
What ultimately made the day was the relaxed and neighbourly spirit of all who came by, enjoying the best of Shrewsbury Park.
Below is the start of a Photo Gallery – and it’s open to anyone with some choice photos they would like to share. Just email them to werfsp@gmail.com
Gazebo christening by the PearlysBlossom and Nola’s spoken word presentationWho can fly these glidersChillin’ and munchin’Coaching session
Now it’s your turn to add some!
The show must go on!
The Festival Team gave it their all again – this year’s cohort was Julie Hayward, Rob Hurst, Ron Senkus, Sue Walker and Roy Williams.
Due to the ongoing hot weather and in the interest of everyone’s safety and well-being, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the dog show scheduled for Sunday, July 20th, 2025 in Shrewsbury Park.
We’re truly grateful for your understanding and continued support. Thank you for being part of our community.
If preferred, drop a note through at 189 Plum Lane to reserve a place
OOPS…PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IS WRONG ON THE POSTER
CORRECT DATE IS SUNDAY 15TH JUNE
Formed in 2006, the Friends of Shrewsbury Park encourage the use of Shrewsbury Park and support the development of facilities for recreation, education and amenities for local people and to encourage a sense of community around the park.
