Summer came early this year and whilst the warm Spring produced a stunning bumper crop of blossom, the park began to dry out in June and July. With the main lawns looking more like savannah, we are nonetheless treated to beautiful displays by tree blossom (such as the Golden Rain tree in the rose garden and the Persian Silk tree in the Italian Garden), the transformed rose garden and hotel and front entrance borders. The volunteers have spent many hours watering!

Our next major project, the restoration of our pond, has begun. In the lead up to commencing the works, an ‘Exploring our Pond’ activity day was held, where we saw families and the community come and enjoy hearing about pond life and dipping and testing the water with our partners South East Rivers Trust. Excavation is starting in the bog garden and will progress to the pond, with major working taking around 6-8 weeks. The area will look fairly messy for a year or so, but after that the planting will take hold and natural flood management measures will keep water in the pond and not on the pavements and paths, as well as holding back water flow from the park to Beverly Brook.

Enjoy nature in the park this summer, staying safe by remembering not to barbecue when picnic-ing, not to light fires of any sort and keep dogs under control at all times.