May Bulletin
Park staff say it’s the question they've been asked the most: 'When are the deer returning?' So we are thrilled to announce a new herd of eight fallow deer has been settling into the renovated and extended paddock, south of the Flower Garden.
The previous herds of fallow and red deer were relocated to Richmond Park to ensure they were not disturbed by the renovation works over the past four years.
The improved, larger paddock provides the deer with new access to nearby woodland, and the natural habitat has been enhanced with wildflower planting to support wildlife, including birds and pollinators. Log and brush piles have been placed around the paddock to allow areas for scrub to regenerate and provide natural sustainable grazing opportunities for the deer.
The Greenwich Park team has worked closely with a specialist deer vet from the British Deer Society. The welfare of the deer has been paramount at every stage.
Settling in: The fallow deer in their improved new enclosure. Picture: The Royal Parks
The Rose Garden - patience will be rewarded
Planting in the Rose Garden is nearly complete and it will be open again for everyone to admire next month.
Volunteers have been busy there alongside Park gardeners. Head gardener Tom Brown writes: 'A big thank you to all those who came to the Rose Garden planting. It was great to have so many different volunteers from all the different groups getting a taste of horticulture.
A special mention to the gardening groups who have been working with us on this project since the beginning and will continue to do so. I hope you all will enjoy the garden when it opens in June.
Elsewhere in the Park, summer has come early, and many plants are starting their summer song. Check out our flag iris around the Flower Garden lake, peonies and day lilies on the north border and my all-time favourite, Rhododendron luteum, near Blackheath gate. The scent is not to be missed.
You may have noticed the winter bedding is being removed, making way for the summer display. Lots of the bulbs and plants have been saved and have been transplanted by Lewisham College into the Park. Finally, thank you for all who came to the Orchard spring event. A huge success with so many happy faces enjoying the space. A credit to Emma Paley and her team who care for the Orchard with such a detailed eye.
I look forward to seeing you all throughout the summer.'
Hard at work: A large team of volunteers help Park gardeners with the Rose Garden planting. Picture: Tom Brown
Don't delay - Jazz tickets on sale
Get your tickets for our renowned Midsummer Jazz concert which will take place on Sunday 22 June, and will feature the South London Jazz Orchestra.
It takes place in the Royal Observatory Gardens from 12.30pm to 3pm and is a ticketed event – just £8 for adults. Children under 16 years go free.
Numbers are limited, so book now because last year sold out well in advance. Bring a picnic if you like and a rug - there is no seating. There will be a bar and refreshment stalls. Dogs are not permitted and tickets are non-refundable. Book your tickets here.
The Friends’ summer series of concerts at the bandstand will begin on July 6 with the Gordon Webber Soul Band. Details of the forthcoming bands will be in subsequent bulletins.
Last chance to let us know what you want
If you haven't already answered our survey, we'd really appreciate a few minutes of your time.
With the flagship Greenwich Park Revealed project coming to an end, the Friends' committee is asking you to tell us about how you use the Park, which benefits you value from your membership, and how you envisage the Friends’ role in the future. Please do send us your comments - the survey should only take a few minutes and is only open for a limited time. You can find it here.
This stone, which reads Greenwich Hospital, was spotted by Annette from the Friends' History Research Group, writes our community archaeologist Andrew Mayfield. It is being used as a gate support at Chesterfield Gate but may originally have adorned one of the conduit structures in the Park. Our One Tree Hill conduit once also had a name stone, but it is far too eroded to read, whereas the stone at the Standard Reservoir is still readable. It probably ended up at Chesterfield Gate at the end of the Victorian period, when the conduits system was decommissioned.
An incredible Park survivor!
A very special bird watching trip...
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Oare Nature Reserve in nearby Faversham, do join the Wildlife Group for a birdwatching walk on May 28.
The Kent Wildlife Trust reserve is 67 hectares of grazing marsh and freshwater and brackish dykes, reclaimed after the building of the sea wall in 1953, and is an internationally important wetland. The end of the month is the perfect time to visit.
We will meet in the car park of the Three Mariners pub, ME13 0QA, at 11am and finish there by around 12.45pm for lunch. A limited number of lifts are available.
The Friends' Wildlife Group will also be running some activities at a Play in the Park event on 29 May in the Learning Centre. No need to book - just turn up between 11am and 3pm for 'nature inspired' play. The event is delivered in partnership with London Play. Full details here.
Learn about the Park's trees
Discover the trees in the Park and learn about tree identification with nature guide Monika Dunkel.
There are two more free walks for Friends on Sunday July 13 at 11am and 1pm. The walks are restricted to adult members and children over 10 years. They take place largely in the Flower Garden so apologies, but no dogs. Booking will open here at 10am on June 30 and each walk will have a waiting list. If two from one household want to come, please book separately.
Farewell and a big thank you to our Police
As many Friends know, we have been fighting to keep our Park Police - but unfortunately the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have confirmed the closure of the Royal Parks Police Operational Command Unit (OCU).
Chair Tina Challacombe said: 'The Friends of Greenwich Park would like to put on record their thanks and appreciation for all the Park Police have done for the Greenwich Park Community over many years. We will miss their reassuring presence and friendship and wish them all good luck for the future.'
The Royal Parks have said they understand there will be a period of transition up until November 1, especially important as only the MPS can enforce Park regulations and details have not been revealed on how this will be effectively transferred from the experienced OCU officers to local Police teams. The MPS have confirmed that they will continue with their core responsibilities – responding to emergency calls, patrolling, supporting events and maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Even poets need a break
Having finished his workshop series, which led our members to read and write more than a hundred poems about the Park, our poet-in-residence Jack Cooper will be taking a few months off to settle into a new job role. When he returns in September, he will shift his focus to writing original poems about the Park and compiling an anthology of poetry that features members alongside classic writers. To help him in this process, he'll look to engage with the work of the Friends of Greenwich Park volunteers and groups.
Join our bird walk
Julia Holland will lead the next Bird Walk on May 25. Meet at the Blackheath Gate at 8.30am. There is no need to book, but bring binoculars if you have them. The walks last approximately two hours. The following month's walk will take place a week earlier than usual, on June 22.
We're focusing on flowers... and fluff
Tucked under the wing: A gosling snuggles up in the Flower Garden
Picture: Vida Cody
The Flower Garden was the focus for the latest Photography Group get together, writes Ian Welsby.
Members wanted to capture the flowering shrubs and early colour. We also visited the lake and the deer park. We agreed to change our meeting to one or two weekday evenings instead of a Saturday in the next two months. The aim is to capitalise on the evening ambience and how it affects our photography and the subjects captured.
If you're a keen photographer - or just keen to learn - and are interested in joining this lively group email us at info@friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk, citing Photography Group.
Early sunshine: Amazing flower detail and colour in the Park
Pictures: Gwen Tew
Alice comes to the Observatory
It’s foolish, fun and fantastical! Quantum Theatre is bringing comedy, music and the magic of Alice Through the Looking Glass to the Royal Observatory Garden at the end of the month.
Performances of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic run from Monday May 26 to Saturday May 31. The show lasts for an hour and a half including an interval. Bring something to sit on and come dressed for the weather! Picnics are welcome, but, sorry, no dogs.
Tickets are a flat rate of £15 per person and all under threes are free. Details about timings and tickets here.
Mirror image: Alice with Tweedledum and Tweedledee in the Quantum production
Runthrough is hosting a running event in Greenwich Park on May 31. If you are interested in volunteering to help please contact Sophie.poole@runthrough.co.uk and say you have heard of the opportunity via the Friends. The organisation will make a donation to the Friends for each volunteer.