September News
We are changing the way we let you know what's going on in the Park. From now on we will email you a monthly bulletin so you have all the news and forthcoming events at your fingertips. You will still receive two newsletters a year, by post or by email if that's your preference. If you don't want to receive the bulletins please do feel free to unsubscribe.
As the weather changes and Autumn approaches, work in the Park continues apace. Changes at One Tree Hill and in the Flower Garden are largely complete, although planting around the lake will be finished later in the year.
Builders are very busy in the new public space by the Vanbrugh Gate. Vanbrugh Lodge is to become a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, there will be a community orchard, accessible toilets and an area for volunteers. The work also includes a new learning space in the Wilderness. The new cafe will be run by Benugo, which will also continue to run the Pavilion Cafe.
Last of the summer chimes
Music lovers enjoy the Great Cross Country Band in Greenwich Park
Picture: Roger Stevens
The Bandstand concerts have sadly come to an end, finishing in style with the Great Cross Country Band. Roll on next summer and more music in the Park!
But there's a lot still to look forward to.
Royal Parks Heritage Day
A chance to see the wonderful Queen's Orchard which will be open to the public on September 16 from 11am to 3pm. The historic orchard is home to a working allotment and heritage fruit trees. There will also be two walking tours with the Park's Community Archaeologist Andrew Mayfield to hear more about the allotments and shelters in the Park during the two world wars, and learn about King Charles II's Grand Plan for the Park. The walks will leave from the Queen's Orchard at 11:30 and 13:30, and each will last for one hour. Places are first come first served.
Friends' Annual Lecture
Come and hear Andrew Mayfield talking about 'Community Archaeology in a Royal Park, findings from the Greenwich Park Revealed project' at Mycenae House, Mycenae Road, London, SE3 7SE, on October 17. The evening kicks off at 7.30pm for 8.00pm, and the £10 ticket includes a glass of wine. Details for tickets are on the Friends' website here.
Severndroog Castle
Friends are invited to a tour of the Castle on Shooter’s Hill. There are two dates, September 14 and 28. Each visit will feature a talk about the origins of the 18th century folly followed by a cream tea. Tickets are £24, and are available through Susan Taylor here.
Bird Walks
Our popular Sunday morning Bird Walks continue through the season, on the last Sunday of each month. The next is on September 24. All you have to do is turn up at the Blackheath Gate at 8.30am. The talks are led by Julia Holland and last approximately two hours. Bring binoculars if you have them. There is no need to book.
The Grand Ascent
After the successful community archaeological dig during the summer at the WW2 air raid shelter, Andrew Mayfield will lead a dig this month to find Charles II's Grand Ascent. Volunteers welcome, sign up here.
Autumn Tree Walks
Discover the trees in the Park and learn about tree identification with nature guide Monika Dunkel.
Monika has agreed to lead two walks in October 2023 – at 11am and 1pm on October 15. We are offering it free exclusively to our members. This tree walk will be aimed at adults and children over 10 years. Only assistance dogs, please.
Tickets will be available on the website from 10am on October 3.
That old chestnut…
Last but by no means least, one of the Park's ancient sweet chestnut trees is in the running for Tree of the Year. Please follow the link and give this 360-year-old giant your vote!