Category Archives: Environment

Environment, Events, featured, 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.

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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

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, Uncategorised

Sonja O’Sullivan

Last weekend, we officially christened our newest bench, installed with many kind donations from local people. It is dedicated to our beloved Sonja O’Sullivan, a treasured friend and member of our management committee. Her husband, Brian, spoke movingly about her love of the park.

Friends and family turned out in their droves on a cold March morning to celebrate her life.

Next time you are there, take a look – there’s a fabulous view from it too!

See if you can spot Sonja’s sister in the group photo – a great family resemblance!

Friends and family pose with the bench
Kris, our Chair and Brian speak movingly about Sonja’s achievements and love of the park