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.