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.
Have you got a passion for your hobby or interest? Maybe you volunteer for a fantastic charity that you’d like to represent?
Then why not be a stallholder at our next festival? It will be held on
Sunday 20 July 2025, from 12 – 5pm
We pride ourselves on having a great display of stalls and entertainers. We love having old friends back, as well as new local community groups, charities, hobbyists or other sellers.
We welcome hundreds of visitors on the day – mostly local people living close to the park, but increasingly people from Greenwich and Bexley; and sometimes even further afield.
Please read the terms and conditions (see link below).
Please complete the form below by 20 June 2025, but as early as possible before the event to guarantee a spot (we reserve the right to close applications if we are unable to accommodate stallholder applications on the day):
There is no fee for local groups/societies who wish to provide information or attract new members to their group, but you must still complete the form so we can allocate a space for you.
**If you require any further information or have trouble with the links please email: werfsp@gmail.com as we are happy to help.**
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.
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.
In October 2024 the intrepid Hedgehog Survey Team braved soggy weather and mud to gather data from two sites in Shrewsbury Park and the results are in fantastic black and white infrared footage…
Click on FLORA AND FAUNA in the menu bar above and see not one but two hogs in action!
The FSP calendar is back by popular demand and we’re extending a challenge to all photographers up to and including 15 years old, to enter their ideas for the 2026 version!
You really don’t want to miss the AGM ofThe Friends of Shrewsbury Park!
Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 7pm in Shrewsbury House, Bushmoor Crescent
We’ll start with the business meeting including Chair’s Report, Treasurer’s Report and election of Management Committee. If you’d like to join the Committee please check out the December email again, and then contact us prior to the meeting (werfsp@gmail.com).
Please bring your comments and concerns for new business as well as events you would like to support.
One of our members whom you may already know, Roy Williams, with be giving a talk on dog behaviour strategies to make the park safer and more relaxed for ALL users, including the dogs. Q&A afterwards.
Spread the word to anyone who is new to the neighbourhood. If you know anyone who could use a written version of this info, let us know or print one out for them, please. See you there! Kris Inglis and the Management Committee
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.
