Category Archives: Organised walks

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, Organised walks

Fabulous Foraging

On Saturday 13 May, we gathered to discover what edible delights the park has to offer! Experienced, self-taught, and local forager, Kevin Godby from GCDA led us around the park, introducing us to lots of plants, bushes and trees that have edible parts.

Kevin had a great list of tips to share, including not foraging at a low level, to avoid contamination, never consuming too much of one kind of forage, being mindful of the time of year and ripeness of plants. As a general rule of thumb, younger seeds, buds and leaves are juicier and tastier!

We look forward to welcoming Kevin back to the park in another season to learn more!

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Dawn delights

The Dawn Chorus walk was a magic experience, once we all rolled into the park to meet Tim, our leader, for the 5am start.

We heard several species vying for attention, and the parakeets didn’t interfere too much. We could hear the tiny firecrests in the open area of the woods on the bird ID app but while everyone searched to see them, a sparrowhawk was spotted! The pair are nesting in a tall tree maybe 25 m into the woods from the small field. And then the female caught something for breakfast bringing reality of the natural world into focus.

Many thanks to Tim. And to Karen who captured the sparrowhawk on her camera.

In case you haven’t been in the park in the last week, go up the path for between the old and the new allotments and soak up the hawthorne blossom tunnel.

And the bird app mentioned is called MERLIN, free and easy to use on your phone.

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Late Summer Bat Walk

The end of summer bat walk on 27 August was a treat as always, though some of the bats may have gone elsewhere for their bank holiday… it was a fun and informative walk for returnees and new folks alike, thank you to Les for ably leading the walk.

As it was International Bat Night the work of the Bat Conservation Trust (who got FSP started on bat conservation in 2009) was discussed and a collection taken.  Thank you everyone who donated, the £35.30 went off to BCT.

HELP BATS NOW!  Plea from BCT

The laws protecting bats are under threat again

We are writing to you with an urgent request. The government is considering repealing or weakening legislation protecting bats and other wildlife, namely the Habitats Regulations
The State of Nature report in 2016 described Britain as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and the more recent 2019 report painted a similarly depressing picture.
The loss of this protection would be devastating to the natural heritage that wildlife species represent. We need your help to make sure that the new prime minister and the government understand why removing this protection would be disastrous for our wildlife You can read our full news piece here. 

How can you help?

Please contact your MP, by either asking for a face-to-face meeting, phoning them, emailing, or writing to them. We have created a template letter/email which can be downloaded from HERE. You can find the contact details for your local MP HERE (remember to include your address so they know you are a constituent). Please let us know if you have contacted your MP by emailing us on comms@bats.org.uk.

Thank you

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Walking Time Machine Inspires!

This sold-out walk happened on Friday 10th June and was a really amazing insight into our park and how the past is still indelibly marked on the present.

From the earliest times when different tribes carved up the area to avoid feuds to the pioneering work of the outdoor schools, working to rehabilitate children whose health was impacted by social conditions and pollution, Andy walked us through the decades.

An inspiring and thought provoking event which we are really hoping to repeat again soon!

Environment, Events, Organised walks

Bats are about!

It was a still and warm April evening… The bat walk was about to begin. Les Clark had kindly agreed to lead the walk along a revised route that proved to reveal even more bats than usual.

The weather was ideal for tempting out the insects –  and the bats were ready for a feast.

BORROW A BAT DETECTOR

If you fancy doing your own bat walk in the park or your back garden remember that we have some FSP detectors to borrow for a week at a time.  Go to BATS page under FLORA AND FAUNA in the menu and scroll to the end of the page for details and form.

 

Environment, Organised walks

BIRD WALK – Saturday 26 March, 8.30am start

Meet in Plum Lane carpark for the first walk of 2022!

Tim Rymer, an FSP member, will be leading us around the park to identify birds, their preferred habitats, behaviours and much more.

Check out the Bird page under Flora and Fauna on fspark.org.uk beforehand for a preview of which birds you may see. 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 are welcome to FSP projects.

The route for this walk begins on paved paths but then goes off-road, not very suitable for wheels. A gentle, accessible walk may be planned for summer birdsong in May. TBC

Bus 244 stops by the fire station, short walk from the carpark entrance

Book on

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bird-walk-saturday-26-march-tickets-269885142727

Alternatively, drop a note at 189 Plum Lane to reserve your places.

 

This is a rain or shine walk

Environment, Events, Organised walks

BAT WALK- Friday 27th August – starts 8.30pm

Gather next to the notice board by the Plum Lane car park.           After a short intro Les Clark will lead us through the woods and glades where the bats hang out.                                                                           Bat detectors supplied. Thanks to the Lottery Grant last year we have 3 more of our own. And these are available for a week’s loan (see BATS under FLORA and FAUNA in the menu bar)

BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Use this link..

eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-shrewsbury-park-se18-tickets-166967758059

*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

*Please respect social distancing guidelines when walking with other individuals or groups, or wear a mask

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 RAINS, NEITHER THE BATS NOR US WILL BE OUT!
Environment, Organised walks

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.

 

Environment, Organised walks

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!