Category Archives: Environment

Spring 2020 has sprung!

You may have been faithfully walking the dog in the Park in the rain or just hit the occasional sunny day so far, but hopefully you’ve seen the crocuses and daffodils appearing here and there. These are the results of planting over the last 3 years.

In November 2019 nine determined volunteers planted many new bulbs – courtesy again of Royal Borough of Greenwichl- mostly along the walkway from the top field to the Rowton Road slopes. Paul and Les tackled the perennial brambles to open up the old allotment loop path off Dothill.

Here are a few photos to say thanks for everyone’s efforts.

 

 

Bird Walk – Saturday 21 March – 9am start

We will meet at the Garland Road gate at 9 for the annual bird walk led by Stuart Banks, friendly RSPB expert.  Set aside an hour or two and join us for a gentle ramble to rediscover the birds who live in the Park and see how they are preparing nests, whistling their hearts out and claiming territories.

Ideal for kids, but not for dogs please. We will be on and off paths depending on access and the walk will go ahead even if it’s a light drizzle. So wear boots and appropriate clothing. Binoculars are helpful.

Book your FREE tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bird-walk-saturday-21-march-tickets-91511502367

Or drop a note into 189 Plum Lane and we’ll put you on the list.

 

AGM – Thursday 14 Nov at 7pm

“Why should I care about biodiversity?”

Hmmm. Think about it. Then come to the AGM to discuss how we consider the habitats in our own Park.

  • Business meeting including election of Committee (you can put yourself forward on the night or contact werfsp@gmail ahead of time)
  • Any issues members wish to raise regarding the Park
  • A panel presentation will briefly present facts and ideas on the above topic and open up the meeting for your input and concerns on the wondrous variety of habitats and species that deserve to survive here.

Salutations to Greenpeace!

Sunday 1 September brought a refreshing sunny day and a crowd of dedicated yoga people together for the benefit of Greenpeace.

Priscila Diniz masterminded the day. She was supported by other yoga teachers leading the salutations including Cressida Senkus, also our FSP rep on the day. Good veggie wraps, Brazilian rhythms and Thai massage option added to the atmosphere. Thanks to Ron and Paul for getting the gazebos up and then down again, they are pros.

Camilla Berens and her crew shared their vital climate message and was very pleased to find the event raised just over £1000! Thank you everyone. If you would like to contribute click on http://justgiving.com/fundraising/yogathon3

“THERE IS NO PLANET B”

Check out the gallery …

Summertime Bat Walk – 23 August

Hopefully the weather will turn out for this one.

After a short intro, next to the notice board by the Plum Lane car park, Les Clark will lead us through the woods and glades where the bats hang out. Bat detectors supplied.

Booking essential – max 50 people

eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-shrewsbury-park-se18-tickets-55871554323

If you don’t have internet access you can put a note through the door at 189 Plum Lane to book places.

*Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing

*Children must be accompanied by an adult

*Walk lasts about 1 ½ hours and small torches are useful

*Dogs must be kept on a lead

If you have mobility issues or enquiries please contact us on werfsp@gmail.com and we will help you participate. The trail is a mix of paved path, gravel and grass.

If it’s raining neither bats nor us come out!

 

 

 

Sampling the greenery

The Sunday afternoon foraging walk with Kevin Godby delivered! The plants, the warm sunshine, the good humoured ramblers and our amiable and knowledgeable guide came together – and a good time was had by all. By now some of you know Kevin brings along experimental tidbits from his foraging using the local plants and he didn’t disappoint!

There may be another walk in the autumn, depending on how dry the summer is – or isn’t. Watch this space!

And thank you to Angela and Sandra for the photos…

A ‘Tree Walk’ in the Park

 

Today’s Tree Walk was a huge success! We had more than 20 people along to hear John Denton’s wise words.  Although it rained a bit, it didn’t put us off learning about the amazing varieties in the park. We were introduced to different kinds of trees –  Gmynosperms (naked seeds) and Angiosperms (enclosed seeds).

One young man took on the task of collecting a leaf from every tree we stopped to look at, and he ended up with a very full bag.

Starting in the car park we saw a Common Lime, a Box Elder, a Copper/Purple Beech we moved on to look at a Holly and a False Acacia – in all there were more than 20 trees identified.

Here are the updated documents:

Trees Key

Trees Map

Tree Classification

John asked us to add the following:

“On the walk a lady (sorry I didn’t ask her name) asked me to identify a tree which was next to the car park behind the Lime Tree.  At the time I hadn’t a clue but I’m now sure that it is a variety of “Flowering Ash”, properly called Manna Ash. “

PICK IT UP!

Thank you 10th Royal Eltham Cubs!

The Cubs, their parents and their leaders made our Great British Clean Up Day a fun event providing 18 volunteers for two hours gathering (mostly) rubbish and litter along the Dothill pathway. And a big THANK YOU to the three(!) FSP volunteers who turned out.

We had some serious environmental chats with the Cubs who certainly know their way around recycling! Check out the Beavers’ posters still displayed around the Park.

 

 

Tree Identification Walk

Local  enthusiastic amateur, John Denton, will lead us on a walk through the park – introducing you to local flora and fauna, you’ll learn more than you ever dreamt of about the trees in the park, how they’ve survived and thrived, how old they are and much more!

Sunday 28 April at 2pm

Meeting point : Notice Board by the car park. Binoculars and magnifying glass would be handy.  Sturdy footwear would be an advantage.

No dogs please.
Rain or shine, we’ll still go ahead

Read and download John’s  Trees Key and Tree Classification in advance of the walk!

Trees Map