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.
Saturday’s bird walk led by Tim was well worth starting at 8.30am!
Before even leaving the carpark we watched a pair of Sparrowhawks being hustled along by a Carrion Crow. Obvs a local territory dispute. The group quickly got into birdspotting and a couple other accomplished photographers joined in. So any new photos are welcome on this page, or perhaps as an entry in the calendar competition…
The walk finished about an hour later, and we got to hear (but sadly not see) the tiny little Firecrest who likes to flit around holly trees.
Apparently the earlier you get into the woods on a spring morning the more birds you will discover so there’s a challenge.
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.
