June 2011

The weather remains very rainless and the ground, hard and parched in places, begins the browning I associate with July. The return of the red deer to the lower east parkland is very pleasing to see as spotted fawns are scattered among the herd. The grass has been allowed to grow in their absence. This, I guess, is two fold. The long grass not only provides fresh food but also cover for the fawns to drop into should any need arise.

When they do drop, they are well hidden. I had to let Terry, the deer man, know about a rather distressed and separated fawn, lying hard by the fence next to the eastern edge of the Serpentine. They can find the heat and sunshine quite exhausting when so young.

News, too, for the whole place. A grant of £2.4million has been received towards restoration of the conservatory and a new director is in place. I have begun working with the conservation volunteers, as well as continuing as a ranger. June, however, like last year, has had other diversions to be there every week.

Soon be July.

May 2011

May could not deliver as April had. Breezy, cool, cloudy but dry days seemed to be the order of the month. The bluebells were still stunning at the month's open, but soon the unfurling fronds of ferns dominated the woodland floor.
Another change within the month is the increasing density of the leaf cover, making it harder for bird spotters to find their target. Spring cleaning has to occur. The conservation volunteers are, like a secret nomadic tribe, dwelling in the woodland, lighting their fires and clearing bit by bit the various areas of woodland, and then moving on.
These almost mystical glimpses are very inviting and I have had to re arrange my ranger walks to join them and learn the dark arts. It is quite amazing to effect visible changes to the landscape, to open up access and make views more open. The work they have achieved is quite significant, especially in Menagerie Wood and below the castle wall. There are other areas I am sure but, these are two to which I have been introduced.

The area around the Argyll monument is recently typical. A team of about 20 cleared the overhanging trees and blocking bushes, whilst strimmers and brush hooks cut down the floor.