Wildlife

The wildlife in the park continues to bring surprises. In April we were all surprised to see the arrival of the rather elegant Mandarin duck. It was very shy at first, and only made it’s presence known by it’s distinctive call. A sort of rising whistle.

Quite soon though, as it saw the other ducks tucking in to their daily allocation of corn, he joined in and was soon bossing the Mallards with his very confident manner and slightly aggressive behaviour.

Strangely, he seemed to make friends with the white Aylesbury duck, and they would spend hours sleeping under the willows, or gently cruising round the pond.

Enquiries regarding it’s rarity in this area were made with the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland trust, who gently informed us that it was now fairly common along the whole of the Severn Valley. Still, it was avery nice daily distraction to watch him preening his marvellous plumage.

Sadly he has moved on to pastures (ponds?) new. Presumably to seek a mate elsewhere.

Who knows? He may return someday and breed. That would be great.

Katsura

A very welcome addition to the ‘flora’,(or should that be ‘dendra’?), in the park, came about due to Chris and Jenny talking very nicely to the head gardener of Arley Arborteum, Mike Darvill. He came along with a fine example of a ‘Katsoura’ tree. Otherwise known as the ‘Toffee Apple’ tree due to its distinctive aroma of burnt sugar in the Autumn. Mike himself donated the tree, and came along to choose a spot for its new home. Armed with everything necessary, Mike planted it in a prime position just behind the ‘Duke of Gloucester tree’.

All that was then necessary was for our own Mike to nod his head while the support stakes were pounded into the soil.

After a shaky start in its new surroundings, due to an unusual bout of very dry weather, it soon picked up after several downpours. It is now producing some lovely new growth……………………………I just can’t wait to smell those toffee apples!

Plant Sale

Another highly successful Plant Sale was well attended despite the uncertain weather.
The green fingered ‘Friends‘, and others, planned ahead and produced a marvellous range of plants to display for sale in the park.
Even though we no longer had the support of the Parks dept. nursery as in previous years, Highdown Nurseries did us proud once again with a fine supply of plants.
The hard work paid off with around £500 being contributed to the ‘Friends’

Whitfest

Once again the ‘Friends’ joined together to enjoy the May celebration of Whitfest.
We gathered in the park on a bright but blustery evening to enjoy the dancing and music of the Wolverley Morris team.
A few dressed in period costume, and they have to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and sense of fun.
The pig roast was again a great success and very tasty with most folk partaking of seconds!
The whole evening was most enjoyable and the enthusiasm of the dancers was very infectious and a few friends joined in.