Manor Park - one year on




Manor park pond

Last January I posted on Manor Park recreation ground, featuring the pond,
which was then - full. I thought it would be interesting to return to see the condition of the site, particularly as the local Friends group had convened a well-attended task, planting 2,000 bluebells see https://www.environmenttrust.co.uk/blog/planting-bluebells Usually, I visit whenever I need courage to go to my dentist, which is just opposite the main entrance.

The recreation ground is on old agricultural fields, according to tithe maps, and  has remnants of ancient hedgerows. Hence its designation as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.

Although the pond was dry - hopefully it will fill up before spawning time - the woodland copse was looking splendid. Not a scrap of litter to be seen and dead hedging - or wind-rows - had been created from the arisings of  coppicing; these had been placed along the path.





Unlike the ivy - dominated plantations, there is plenty of light getting to the woodland floor. Plants included wood dock and honeysuckle. There is an amount of  rough grassland along the rail side land - exhibiting large yellow meadow ant mounds - a favourite of the green woodpecker. 


rough grassland

Whilst there was no sign of the rabbits that move along rail side and forage in the early evening, there is no reason to suppose they have gone.

They assist in creating the rich mosaic of habitats, that in turn are important  for the local bird population;  a healthy sparrow colony occupy the hedgerow surrounding the bowling green.

Several song thrushes were seen as well as their visiting Scandinavian cousins - the redwings - funny that the termination of the name of occupants of that country means 'bird'.




There is a bit of an arboretum near the pavilion with semi-mature cedar, stone pine, Californian redwood and eucalyptus. Some of these could do with some TLC - maybe just to make sure bracing on the redwood is not cutting into the cambium layer.

 The site is looking in much better shape than nine months ago, although after every visit I  usually have to take my shoes off at the dentist's door due to the dog mess adorning my boots- maybe a job for the local Poosaders https://www.facebook.com/kingstonpoosaders The next check-up should certainly be pretty with all the new bulbs.







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