Category Archives: Environment

Environment, Events, featured, Organised walks

Up with the birds

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!

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Spring Bird Walk – Saturday 11 April

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.

Book on Eventbrite here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-spring-bird-walk-tickets-1985074342796 or drop a note at 189 Plum Lane to reserve places.

This is a RAIN or SHINE walk!

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

Environment

UPDATE – NEW TELECOMS MAST TO BE INSTALLED IN SHREWSBURY PARK-REJECTED!

Good News! 

Royal Borough of Greenwich has rejected the EE Planning Application of installing a 20 metre mast and units inside Shrewsbury Park. 

Reason for refusal given was:

The proposed development, by reason of its siting, excessive height, scale, bulk, and design would appear as highly visible, unsympathetic, and incongruous additions within the wider area (which includes Shrewsbury Park) to the detriment of the character and appearance of the public realm. As such, the proposed development does not comply with the requirements of the NPPF (2024), Policies D3 and D8 of the London Plan (2021) and Policies DH1, DH(c) and DH(l) of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: Core Strategy with Detailed Policies (2014) and therefore does not comply with Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

And as our Chair, Kris Inglis, states 

“SHREWSBURY PARK REMAINS INTACT FOR THE CRITTERS AND THE HUMANS!”

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Nananananananana, Bat Walk!

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.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1?ui=2&ik=904ade7018&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r5658426937638779623&th=1990fc1bba613994&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=1990fc1995fa3429b181&zw

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Morning Bird Walk

Saturday 5 April – 8.30am start

Spring is here! The birds know and you can share it with them on this guided walk led by Tim Rymer, our own knowledgeable birdwatcher.

Meet in the carpark off Plum Lane ready to go at 8.30am. BYO binoculars (not essential) but sturdy shoes are. The walk is free and lasts approximately an hour.

No dogs please.

It’s an offroad route through the woods and might not be suitable for all wheels. Please contact werfsp@gmail.com with any questions about accessibility.

Bus 244 stops by the fire station, 5 minute walk to the carpark entrance on Plum Lane.

TICKETS click https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/morning-bird-walk-tickets-1259698725799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Environment, Events

Bramble Battle!

It was time to fight back the brambles, a continuous job to keep variety in Shrewsbury Park – and still reap the tremendous blackberry crop this year.

Our local Scout leader, Ruby Shand rallied some Scouts to work on their hedgerow area and the Plum Lane path. She also happens to run the Volunteer Days for Barclays employees and once again organised a gang of 25 to donate their time and energy to park tasks.

They followed the expert guidance of John Denton, whose butterfly transect and paths really needed opening up. Plus the crossroads corner and other adjacent paths were cleared for all park users. At least until the next spurt of growth!

They enjoyed the gorgeous day, time outside and a picnic for lunch. And we would like to thank them all for a sterling job which hopefully you are all benefiting from as you walk the park.

Thank you Barclays and 10th Royal Eltham, John for leading and Ruby for organising.

Environment, FSP Calendar

Members’ creative competition

Have a look at the gallery of photos and artistic interpretations submitted for the 2024 Calendar!

Well done everyone and thank you.

I’m not going into the woods today! – Mark Blackett
Shrewsbury Park – Susi Rafferty
Resident Sparrow Hawk – Karen Mills
New Beginning – Gwen Jones
Nectar Points – Tina Muddle
Wild Rose – John Denton
Summertime from the ground up – Benjamin Ajala
Summertime in Shrewsbury Park – Liz Codrington
Shrewsbury Park, late summer – John Donnelly
May Morn – Iris White
Bird’s foot Trefoil – John Denton
Beautiful Sunny Morn – Liz Codrington
Autumnal Morning – Eleanore Ramsay
Early Morning – Tina Muddle
Bone-bleached Tree on Dothill: detail – David Smith
Winter Walk 2 – Jackie McCauley
Winter walk 1 – Jackie McCauley
Bone-bleached Tree on Dothil – David Smith
Environment, Events, Organised walks

Late Summer Time Walk

On Friday 8 September, 25 local residents enjoyed stepping back in time with Dr Andy Brockman.

Our subject matter was: Front Line Park: Shrewsbury Park in the 20th Century Including the LCC Open Air School and defence of London.

Dr Andy Brockman, Archaeologist and Historian

After meeting by the car park, we visited the area where the open air school had it’s buildings, and saw photographs of the school in action. We were able to view documents that described how the children were selected, educated and monitored, turning out healthier and well nourished pupils back to their homes.

Strolling back through to the car park with Andy, we saw clearly where the barrage balloons were tethered. We learnt how these were used in the foiling of enemy aircraft, driving them away from bombing targets.

We were told a few interesting (and funny) stories about how this all worked, which Andy had taken from some testimonies of local people at the time.

Andy expertly brought to life these amazing past events and fielded questions as we went along. Ending up at Shrewsbury House, there were more artifacts to look at, as well as a very welcome Friday evening beverage or two.

We look forward to our next foray into local history!

Environment, Events

They made a difference!

Image

Many sincere thanks to Barclays Bank, Canary Wharf branch, and to 10th Royal Eltham Scouts for there brilliant and cheerful efforts clearing habitat areas in the Park on Friday 28 July.

Ruby Shand, master organiser of both groups, brought her crews to help FSP volunteers cut saplings and brambles in the meadow ready for late summer mowing, spread woodchips on the Dothill path and then pile the cuttings for the Rangers to pick up. The Scouts uncovered the thriving hedgerow their members planted 4 years ago, an annual effort

Super teamwork, everyone! And we look forward to their next visit, we’re taking you up on that generous offer!

And an extra thank you to the passing spontaneous volunteer named Peter, who lent his time and barrow skills for a couple hours!

Barclays volunteers off road
Scout territory