My monthly visit as late as can be, 31st January 2020. The park was very damp after much rain in the early part of winter, with standing water and an oily scum in places from decomposing vegetation. 500 Black-headed gulls were attracted to the invertebrates brought to the soil surface by the anerobic conditions below. The winter wind had waves overtopping near the jetty and water was flowing down into depot behind the bowls pavilion.
At midwinter, there were early signs of spring. Sweet violet was flowering on the southern border and Hazel catkins within Horse Close Wood. Woodland ground cover plants were beginning to show through in both woods: Cow parsley and Cuckoo pint. Snow drops were flowering in the hedgerow by the tube line. Ivy fruit was being eaten by Wood pigeons. Early breeding birds were singing: Robins and Great tits, whilst Ring-necked parakeets were prospecting a knothole in the fenced-off veteran oak.
At midwinter, there were early signs of spring. Sweet violet was flowering on the southern border and Hazel catkins within Horse Close Wood. Woodland ground cover plants were beginning to show through in both woods: Cow parsley and Cuckoo pint. Snow drops were flowering in the hedgerow by the tube line. Ivy fruit was being eaten by Wood pigeons. Early breeding birds were singing: Robins and Great tits, whilst Ring-necked parakeets were prospecting a knothole in the fenced-off veteran oak.
