Fauna & Flora
FAUNA
Grey squirrels are the most readily seen residents but foxes, hedgehogs & bats are among the more secretive mammals. Down at the pond – despite its grim appearance – carp (ornamental & wild) as well as silverfish are found. Last summer there were enormous shoals of young fish.
The variety of habitats provides a haven for many species of birds. Wood pigeons & magpies are always present along with blue & great tits. Down at the pond you may see an ever hopeful heron as well as mallard or a visiting mandarin duck. The Canada geese like to graze the surrounding grassy areas early in the morning, hissing loudly at anyone foolish enough to stray too close to their goslings. For the keener eyed watch out for tree creepers. Almost 40 species were recorded in the park in 2005 including the brilliant electric blue flash of a kingfisher. If you are interested in the actual species, please download this PDF file.
FLORA
There are many fine mature British native trees including oak, poplar, plane & willow as well as ornamental oaks & cherries, oriental acers & several large eucalypts. The many horse chestnuts provide endless autumnal fascination for children & squirrels alike. Throughout the park there are a variety of hollies planted both formally & informally. Unfortunately some specimen plants are almost lost – try finding the magnolia! Mature shrubs are also very much in evidence, particularly rhododendrons & spotted laurel. A comprehensive survey of trees & shrubs is planned prior to establishing a management plan to enhance the park. The self seeding of sycamores and lack of active management has already required some drastic pruning. In the future it is likely that some trees may need to be removed.
The formal beds consist of those with bedding plants & several overgrown ones with perennials, particularly the old lily pond & bandstand sites. The Friends plan to work on these latter ones over the next 12 months.
Between the football pitch & Moss Lane is a woodland area. The intention is to underplant this with native plants to provide both additional interest and enhance the park’s ecology. In conjunction with this the Queens Rd boundary will be managed so as to provide a more natural hedgerow than currently exists.
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