October 22, 2025 • 41 mins
The seventh series of the Wildlife Matters podcast kicks off with an essential milestone in wildlife policy: the government has officially ended the controversial badger culling program, a campaign we've passionately fought against for nearly fifteen years.
Join us for our main feature as we confidently explore the rich biodiversity of Greenwich Park, the oldest Royal Park in London. Get ready for an exciting urban wildlife adventure amidst the vibrant autumn landscape.
This week in Wildlife Matters Nature News, we will dive into the details of the Parliamentary debate that shaped this decision, before discussing updates on the impact on wild species and habitats from the proposed Planning and Infrastructure bill, before showcasing some of the projects that are recreating vital dew ponds across the South Downs National Park
Takeaways:
- The government has committed to ending badger culling, marking a significant policy shift in wildlife management.
- A new strategy will focus on enhanced cattle testing and vaccination to combat bovine tuberculosis.
- The creation of dew ponds in Hampshire aims to restore vital habitats for diverse wildlife species.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill's impact on protected species.
- Wildlife and Countryside Link warns that environmental levies could undermine existing protections for endangered species.
- The podcast highlights the historical and ecological significance of Greenwich Park, emphasising its rich biodiversity.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Protect the Wild
- Badger Trust
- British Cattle Veterinary Association
- DEFRA
- Wildlife and Countryside Link
- Wildlife Matters Organisation
- Frog Life
- National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Bannister Trust
- People's Postcode Lottery
Want to get in touch? Our email is info@wildlife-matters.org
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:07):
Sam to the brand new Seriesseven of the Wildlife Matters podcast.
(00:30):
It's been over four yearssince we launched and we've covered
a wide variety of wildlife andnature stories and we have some fascinating
new adventures to share withyou in this series as the season
changes into autumn and whatpromises to be a spectacular display
(00:51):
from the trees in Britain.
Following a long hot summer, abumper tree fruit harvest and a mast
year for acorns, we kick offthe Series seven with another urban
wildlife adventure around theoldest Royal park in London, which
is Greenwich Park.
(01:11):
Of course, we will spend sometime immersed in another audio sound
bath from nature in thisweek's Wildlife Matters mindful moments.
But before that, let's take alook at the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionin this week's Wildlife Matters Nature
(01:32):
News.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News
(01:53):
News.
Our headline story this weekis that the Government has confirmed
it will end badger coles aftera parliamentary debate sparked by
a Protect the Wild petitionwith over 102,000 signatures.
The 15 year policy of badgerculling aimed at tackling bovine
(02:13):
tuberculosis or BTB in Englandwill conclude amid growing pressure
from campaigners on and crossparty MPs for a science led non lethal
solution.
MPs responding passionatelyduring the Westminster hall debate
addressed the publicpetition's call for an immediate
end to the badger culling anda greater focus on cattle testing,
(02:37):
biosecurity and vaccination.
The government announced that2025 will be the final year for issuing
the new industry led cull licenses.
The decision was welcomed bycampaigners and MPs and marks the
end of a policy that led toover 240,000 badgers being culled
(02:59):
since 2013.
Minister for Food Security andRural Affairs Dame Angela Eagle stated,
I will be clear from theoutset that this government are committed
to to ending the badger cull.
We stand by that commitmentand I say again that the badger cull
is ending.
She added that after thisseason only one coal license would
(03:23):
remain active covering a TBhotspot in a low risk area.
She emphasised, by the end ofthe season there will be no coal
licenses in any high intensityor edge area.
The Government plans toreplace culling with enhanced cattle
testing, improved farmbiosecurity and widespread badger
(03:45):
and cattle vaccination as partof a strategy to eradicate bovine
TB.
In England by 2038.
A refreshed eradicationstrategy is being co designed with
farmers, vets, scientists and conservationists.
This new strategy willincorporate the 2023.
(04:05):
Update update to the Godfreyreview, which underscored the importance
of non lethal interventions.
And reducing contact betweenbadgers and cattle.
The debate was initiated byIrene Campbell, Labour MP for North
Ayrshire and Arran, whocriticized the cull as unjustified,
stating that badgers have beenpart of the British Isles for at
(04:29):
least 250,000 years.
She said culling them is acruel and ineffective way to tackle
the disease.
Citing data from Badger Trust,Campbell noted that 94% of BDP cases
stem from cow to cow transmission.
She added that Scotland, whichended badger culling in 2012, has
(04:53):
held official TB3 status since 2009.
She went on to question thelogic of continuing the cull, referencing
the 19982005 randomized badgerculling trials which concluded culling
could actually increase TBrates by dispersing infected animals
(05:13):
over wider areas.
The updated Godfrey reviewconcluded, as a decision has been
made to phase out culling, itis of great importance to develop
effective non lethal interventions.
Calls for better diagnosticswere echoed across the chamber.
Caroline Bowden, MP for SouthDevon, said farmers needed more advice
(05:35):
and support to implementbiosecurity measures and prevent
TB spread within herds.
And Gideon Amos, MP forTaunton and Wellington, cited Keith
Cutler, a former president ofthe British Cattle Veterinary association
who has pointed out inacademic papers that DEFRA's testing
(05:55):
is really not up to standard.
Andrew George, MP for St.Ives, referenced a 2021 University
of Cambridge study showingthat bovine TB is 17 times more likely
to spread between cattle thanto originate from badgers.
He encouraged the governmentto consider the whole genome sequencing
(06:16):
to trace infections more accurately.
And he questioned the Ministerabout the long awaited DIVA test,
which can distinguish betweeninfected and vaccinated cattle, noting
that it has been described asbeing 10 years away for decades.
George went on to ask if weare going to base policy on vaccination,
(06:38):
are there enough vaccinatorsand do we.
Have the mechanism to train more?
Perhaps the Minister couldadvise us.
Angela Eagle the Ministerconfirmed that a cattle BCG vaccine
vaccine and the DIVA skin testare currently in field trials, expressing
hope that we could start usingthese tools in the next few years.
(06:58):
She acknowledged frustrationwith the slow progress but cautioned
we have to ensure things aresafe and must not pressure medical
regulators just for aconvenient announcement to Parliament
regarding badger vaccination.
She reported that over 4,000badgers were vaccinated in 2024 and
(07:18):
a new badger vaccinator fieldforce will be deployed in 2026.
She said vaccinating 30% ofthe badger population is effective
for achieving our desired goals.
Several MPs urged thegovernment to consider successful
non culling strategies fromother countries.
Mr. Campbell referenced aVeterinary Record study noting that
(07:41):
Wales has achieved similarreductions in her bovine TB England
without widespread badgerculling and Andrew George highlighted
that southern Ireland hadpreviously undertaken widespread
culling but ceased thepractice, asking what lessons.
Have been learned from there.
Sarah Dyke commended theefforts at Gatcombe Farm in Devon
(08:04):
led by farmer Robert Reed andvet Dick Sibley, where a 10 year
eradication project has shownthat undetected cattle infections
are the primary driver of transmission.
She also criticizedrestrictions on enhanced testing.
It is absolutely ludicrous,she said, that we cannot continue
to test all animals in a herd.
(08:26):
In summary, Angela Eagleannounced plans for the government
to scale up badger vaccinationacross large contiguous areas whilst
rapidly advancing the cattle vaccine.
She reiterated that theconsensus is to.
Reduce the and ultimatelyeradicate bovine TB and to end badger
culling.
(08:46):
Eagle promised that a neweradication strategy would be introduced
next year, aiming for TB freestatus by 2038 with culling replaced
by vaccination, improvedsurveillance, better biosecurity
and the hopeful development ofa cattle vaccine seen and DIVA test.
These measures, she explained,would reduce TB's impact, protect
(09:10):
native wildlife species andbring hope to affected farming families.
This week's second storyhighlights concerns over the government's
proposed planning andinfrastructure bill.
Wildlife and Countryside Link,which represents over 90 nature based
organizations in Britain,warns that dormice otters and other
(09:33):
protected species, includingbadgers, face greater risks under
a proposed policy allowingdevelopers to pay a levy for environmental
impacts instead of following.
The current protection rules.
Their report finds littleevidence supporting benefits for
most species.
Although ministers continue toclaim that protective wildlife delays
(09:56):
projects and that the changessupport nature and growth, critics
disagree the bill would letdevelopers pay a nature restoration
levy to offset harm toprotected habitats or species funding
strategic improvements.
The government cites districtlevel licensing for great crested
(10:17):
newts where off site habitatcreation is paid for as a model.
But Wildlife Countryside Linkargues this approach is only proven
for without strong evidenceand trials.
Conservationists warn thatmoving away from local protections
could harm wildlife and animal welfare.
(10:38):
Experts highlight the sitespecific wildlife such as dormice
otters, barn owls, gray seals,badgers, salmon, hedgehogs and rare
fungi, rare.
Plants and beavers could allbe at risk.
Many of these species cannotrelocate or adapt, making the new
(10:58):
policy ineffective for them.
For the most widespread butdeclining species, the policy's effectiveness
remains unclear and unproven,the report notes.
Wildlife relies on conditionsthat take decades.
Or even centuries to develop.
Roosts, territories andhabitat structures cannot simply
(11:19):
be moved to a splitspreadsheet and restored later.
Richard Benwell, chiefexecutive of the Wildlife and Countryside
Link, told Wildlife, there's aglaring lack of evidence on protected
species.
This approach could quicklyworsen declines if misapplied.
Transparent science, aprecautionary approach and real.
(11:42):
World data are vital toprevent wildlife loss beneath new
development.
And Becky Pullinger of theWildlife Trust said the planning
and infrastructure billthreatens a massive overhaul of regulations
protecting wildlife.
And poses a significant risk.
(12:02):
Our third story brings somewelcome news for local wildlife,
thanks to a recent projectaimed at creating and restoring dew
ponds in Hampshire.
New funding will support theconstruction of additional ponds
in the South Pole DownsNational Park.
A £75,000 funding boost willenable the creation of 11 much needed
(12:25):
wildlife ponds across the areaof the park, contributing to nature
recovery.
Jan Nolson from the nationalpark told Wildlife Matters that dew
ponds traditionally dug byfarmers on the South Downs chalk
grasslands as livestockwatering holes have become increasingly
rare, with some dugouts datingback centuries.
(12:47):
And Nolson continued changingagricultural practices and climate
change have led to a declineor disappearance of many of these
ponds, and the remaining onesare now vital for wildlife, providing
refuge and water to.
Insects, birds, amphibians and mammals.
To address this, the SouthDowns National.
(13:09):
Park Trust, the park'sofficial charity, launched.
Pounds for Ponds two yearsago, working with the park authority,
local landowners and farmersto reverse this decline.
The initiative, delivered inpartnership with pond specialist
and wildlife charity FrogLife, aims to raise 1 million pounds
(13:30):
to restore 100 ponds.
Funding has so far come frompublic donations and support from
the National Lottery HeritageFund, the Bannister Trust and bfw.
Recent ecological surveys showthat the restored ponds are already
boosting biodiversity.
Notably, the scarce bluetailed damselfly was found the newly
(13:52):
restored Seven Sisters CountryPark Pond just the second colony
discovered in Sussex this yearand the sixth.
In the county since 1900.
Completed pond projectsinclude Roll Wood, Arundel, the Rails
at Alfresne, Nepcock Green andGallop Farm in Findon Foxhole Pond
(14:15):
and.
Newbarn Pond at the SevenSisters Country.
Park Henley's Sow Bench andPond Field in Singleton, Chantry
Hill near Storrington and theMagdalene Hill near Winchester.
Ongoing or plannedrestorations are underway at Amberley
Pond, Balmer Down Dew Pondnear Lewis with new plants Hazelbank
(14:37):
Farm, milland restoring an1860 pond drove Park New Haven restoring
two ponds and adding wildflower.
Margins Middle Barn Pond,Singleton a dew.
Pond restoration and two newponds at Kingston Community Farm
near Lewis, Jan Nolson,national park biodiversity officer,
(15:00):
said, we estimate There wereover 1,000 ponds across the South
Downs a century ago, butnumbers have dropped dramatically,
impacting wildlife pondssupport about 70% of all freshwater
species.
As summers get hotter due toclimate change, these ponds are more
essential than ever, and KathyWarmold, CEO of Frog Life, told Wildlife
(15:25):
Matters we're delighted towork with the South Downs national
park on this pond project andto help fund Dupond restoration.
Pounds for ponds complementsFrog Life's discovering Dupond's
efforts in the region, whichfocus on both restoration and public
awareness of.
The pond's ecological andhistorical value.
(15:47):
If any of today's stories haveinspired you, please leave us a comment
on social media or whereveryou listen to your podcasts.
And if you have a story youfeel we should be covering, please
do get in touch.
You can find our email addressin the Show Notes and that's it for
(16:07):
this week's Wildlife MattersNature Review.
Foreign.
(16:28):
Announcements this week are amixed bag.
Whilst we welcome theconfirmation that the.
Badger culls will end, wecontinue to.
Question why it's not thecattle, the primary source of bovine
tb, that will be vaccinated,and why we are prioritizing the vaccine
vaccination of just one wildspecies, that is badgers, when all
(16:52):
wild.
Mammals and domestic ones cancarry bovine tb.
Surely the solution here is tovaccinate the cattle?
We're also seriously concernedabout the new Planning and Infrastructure
Bill's impact on wildlife and habitats.
The governments believe thatspecies and habitats can be offset
(17:13):
and protected is misguided,and their proposal to weaken the
Protection of Badgers actseems cynical, especially as.
They celebrate being thedefenders of badgers.
Whilst ending the culls.
Perhaps now is the perfectmoment to seek refuge in nature and
enjoy an audio experience.
(17:36):
And afterwards we have asurprise to reveal once you have
listened to this.
Week'S Wildlife Mattersmindful moment, we hope.
(19:04):
You enjoyed the sound ofsparrows recorded while I watched
London's iconic skyline fromGreenwich park on a hot and sunny
August afternoon.
Greenwich park is the focus ofthis week's Wildlife Matters main
feature, so join.
Me as we explore the oldest ofLondon's royal parks and discover
(19:29):
its rich wildlife and history,which make it one.
Of London's wildest places onthis week's Wildlife Matters main
feature.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
(19:52):
And today we're exploringanother of London's.
Wildest places, Greenwich Park.
Greenwich park is the oldestof London's eight Royal parks and
it's easily accessible nomatter how you arrive.
Its welcoming accessibilitymakes it a perfect destination for
(20:12):
all.
Greenwich park is a treasuretrove of attractions, each more exciting
than the last.
From its spacious boulevardsto its flower filled gardens, and
from its wildlife rich meadowsto its historic spots dating back
to Roman times, there'ssomething for everyone to discover
(20:32):
and enjoy.
For those who rise with the sun.
Or prefer the tranquility ofthe night, Greenwich park is a haven
of peace.
It's one of the best places inLondon to witness the beauty of a
sunrise or sunset.
And its serene atmosphere isjust perfect for night owls seeking
(20:55):
a quiet retreat.
Greenwich park is a Grade 1listed place that is well worth visiting
if you are in SE10.
It is home to an array ofancient trees that provide an ideal
nesting ground for speciesincluding tawny owls, woodpeckers,
thrushes and warblers.
(21:17):
It's also home to pipistrelbats and over 92 species of of spiders.
So if you're ready, let'scheck it out.
Greenwich is a special placefor me.
Generations of my family havelived and worked in the area and
some still do.
Greenwich park has a recordmaking history.
(21:39):
It's where east meets west atlongitude 0 on the meridian line,
part of the maritime GreenwichWorld Heritage Site.
I usually arrive at Maize HillStation and enter the park by the
playground area beforestarting the fairly steep climb to
One Tree Hill, which is one ofthe park's highlights.
(22:02):
One Tree Hill is the highpoint and it's about 300 meters east
of the Observatory Hill.
It has been popular withartists and visitors for centuries,
offering the most atmosphericviewpoint across the River Thames
and into London, especially at sunset.
In the 17th century it wascalled Five Tree Hill, but it was
(22:26):
also known as Sand Hill,referring to its sandy summit which
is now paved over.
Since the 18th century, thename One Tree Hill has been adopted
because of the singleprominent tree at its very highest
point.
The current tree is a London plain.
That replaced its predecessor,which was probably.
(22:48):
An oak which was blown down ina storm on 22 August 1848.
I am told it was a year ofdreadful weather.
There was scarcely any summerthat year, which sounds a bit familiar.
Along with the devastatingcrop failures throughout the country,
One Tree Hill was a popularvenue for pleasure seekers during
(23:11):
the Greenwich Fair, with aband often playing at the top.
It was also the place wherethe main activity of the fair fair
tumbling, which is as itsounds, rolling down the hill as
quickly as you could go.
The view from One Tree Hillhas attracted many artists, most
(23:31):
notably J.M.W.
turner, whose painting Londonfrom Greenwich park was exhibited
in 1809 and is strikinglyreminiscent of today.
In 1845, Louis Jules Arnaultpainted it from a balloon showing
a very different scene.
(23:52):
A poem about One Tree Hill waspublished in 1784 and a verse from
it is carved into the seatingalong the southerly wall.
This poem is ascribed toThomas Nicholls, a little known amateur
poet of that era.
The ironic theme of the poemis that no famous poet has ever written
(24:14):
about One Tree Hill, despiteits worthiness.
And there are many storiesabout One Tree Hill, including Queen
Elizabeth I stopping on thehill to picnic under the great oak
tree in 1602.
That oak was known as the Oakof Honour, which gave the local area
its name, Honor Oak.
(24:35):
According to other localstories, One Tree Hill was also the
site of Queen Boudicca's laststand against the Romans in A.D.
61, and it was also the hauntof the famous highwayman Dick Turpin.
Today, a commemorative oaktree planted in 1905 takes pride
(24:56):
of place at the summit of the hill.
There's also an old gunemplacement built to shoot down zeppelin
airships during the FirstWorld War and a beacon constructed
to mark the silver anniversaryof King George VI in 1934, which
was also used to see in thenew millennium in 2000.
(25:17):
Perhaps best of all though isthe view of London.
From the top of the hill youlook past London plain and oak trees
to see the city of London's skyline.
It's hard to believe that thissmall patch of natural tranquility
is so close to the busy cityof London, which you can see so clearly.
(25:39):
One Tree Hill is a bit of aclimb, but it is worth it for the
stunning views over the cityskyline and the spectacular sunrises
and sunsets.
And you'll often have theplace to yourself, making it one
of the best places for anyoneseeking solitude in the whole of
London.
(25:59):
As I walked down from One TreeHill and headed towards the Roman
ruins, I was drawn to thesounds of corvids, mainly jackdaws
and magpies who were trying toout compete each other with the loudest
squawk and call as theycircled above me.
Now, if you heard me say Romanruins and you think a vestige of
(26:21):
old Londinium might haveescaped your notice, then calm down.
All there is to see is agrassy knoll, almost indistinguishable
from the grassy plain thatsurrounds it.
It which would be utterlyunremarkable were it not for the
helpful explanatory panel thatwith the help of an artist's impression,
(26:43):
encourages you to imagine howthe Roman temple might perhaps have
looked once upon a time.
Next is one of GreenwichPark's natural highlights, the ancient
Queen Elizabeth oak.
The ancient tree's remains aretucked away in a central but secluded
location in the park's centre.
(27:05):
Despite its name, the oak isbelieved to have been planted long
before Queen Elizabeth I'sreign, probably as far back as the
13th century.
A tree ring analysisundertaken in 2012 estimated the
date.
There are many stories to betold about this tree.
I'm starting with King HenryVIII dancing around the tree to impress
(27:30):
Anne Boleyn.
Another old story is thatQueen Elizabeth I enjoyed sitting
in the shade of the tree andtaking refreshments when she was
in the park.
Now whether it's true or not,what is certain is that Greenwich
was one of the Tudorsfavourite locations and that the
200-year-old tree would havebeen a notable feature of the park
(27:52):
during their time.
Another story is that in the19th century the hollowed out trunk,
some 7 meters incircumference, was used to lock up
anyone who had broken the park rules.
But by the late 19th centurythe tree had died and was only kept
upright by a thick ivy covering.
(28:15):
The ancient oak finallytoppled over during a storm in June
1991 and has assumed itshorizontal position ever since.
A tree that is around 750years old has earned the right to
rest today.
Another oak stands next to it.
(28:35):
It was planted in 1992 by theDuke of Edinburgh to celebrate Queen
Elizabeth the second 40thanniversary since her accession to
the throne.
Next we headed towards theFlower Garden.
We enjoy stopping off at theFlower Garden which was created in
the 1890s.
(28:56):
It has stunning cedar andtulip trees and is always full of
seasonal colour.
It is a quintessentialEdwardian garden and an excellent
place to sit and enjoy theviews around the pond area.
We follow the deer trailthrough what is known as the wilderness
and indeed.
That is very, very true today as.
(29:18):
There appeared to be a no deerin the park.
I later found out that thefallow deer are having a break in
Richmond park whilst some workis being carried out in the area.
We quickly moved along tovisit the park pond and soon spotted
mallards with their ducklingson the grass.
We walked around to the farend of the lake and found a pair
(29:41):
of moorhens and a juvenilerobin within the lakeside shrubs.
A single Egyptian goose wasseemingly enjoying a little solitude
on the grass.
We carried on and as wemeandered through the woodland area
we did manage to see quite afew robins, wren, dunnock, great
(30:02):
and blue tits and a femalegreater spotted woodpecker.
The bright green rose neckedparakeets, maybe 30 to 40 were landing
in the treetops, squeakingloudly as they triumphantly slipped
celebrated their return to the park.
The gray squirrels areconstant entertainment as they hurry
(30:23):
about their business.
Some are incredibly tame andhave no fear of humans which is not
great idea for any wild animal.
However, they scamper towardsyou and stop and take a look, maybe
just checking you out and ifthey feel you are okay then they
may come just a little closer.
(30:43):
I did enjoy this briefinteraction though.
Squirrels are so charismaticand have very distinct personalities
and they have so many cutelooks and moves that it's hard not
to fall in love with them.
The next stop is the Rose Garden.
The classical beds are home tovarious flowers creating a vibrant,
(31:04):
colourful display each summer.
The Rose Gardens were part ofthe park ranger's house managed by
English Heritage and it housesthe Werner collection, a collection
of artworks amassed by diamondmagnet Sir Julius Werner who lived
from 1850 to 1912.
(31:26):
The rose garden was originallyplanted in 1960 through to 61.
It was enlarged and replantedin 93 through to 94 which is when
the yew hedge was also planted.
The beds are laid out in asemi circular and planted with predominantly
hybrid tea and floribund under roses.
(31:47):
We visited in August and theRose gardens were closed for restoration.
The sign said that the Rosegarden urgently needed restoring.
The existing roses have becomeexhausted through rose replant sickness.
This is a soil borne fungiroot disease in the soil where the
roses have been grown for sometime and it can prevent the growth
(32:10):
of or cause the death of newroses planted in the the area.
A buildup of rose specificpests will also be present in and
around the Rose Garden areamaking new roses more susceptible
to disease and damage.
We saw many of the samewildlife species in the Rose garden,
(32:31):
but we also saw a pair of blackbirds.
We were heading towards theRoyal Observatory where Greenwich
meantime was born and whereyou can stand with one foot in the
Eastern Hemisphere and one inthe West.
We arrived at 1pm when you canset your watch or in our case phone
(32:51):
the way generations ofLondoners have done since 1833 by
dropping the bright red time ball.
This historical timekeepingtradition hasn't missed a single
day in almost 200 years.
It is a busy place though andwe don't stay for long, preferring
(33:13):
to head towards Croom's Hill.
Woodland and grassland CroomsHill is a road that runs adjacent
to the west side of Greenwichpark and is said to be one of the
oldest roads in England.
The name comes from the Celticword crumb, which means crooked or
twisty.
This area of the park has morewoodland, with some of the sweet
(33:34):
chestnuts here being over 400years old.
There are many fine ancientoaks and cedar trees here.
Their gnarled and crevicedtrunks are perfect microhabitats
for roosting bats, fungi andmany species of beetles and spiders
in the park.
(33:55):
A survey by the Friends ofGreenwich park revealed over 92 species
of spider living in the park,plus 11 just outside the park's boundaries.
They found species such as thecucumber spider, cellar spider, flower
crab spider, the false widowgarden spider, wasp spider, giant
(34:18):
house spider, water spider,nursery web spider, and the raft
spider.
And in a first for London,Enigma puella, which is a tiny green
spider with a distinctive redmark on its abdomen.
One of the current surveyswithin the park is searching for
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dung beetles.
Dung beetles are an essentialprovider of ecosystem services.
By burying, moving and eatingdung produced by rabbits, deer and
horses, they carry outecological functions such as soil
fertilization, nutrientrecycling, bioturbation and seed
(35:01):
dispersal.
And their cleanup operationalso helps to reduce populations
of biting flies and deer parasites.
Throughout Britain.
The once common dung beetlehas declined and it's now at risk
of extinction, mainly due tothe use of antiparasite medication
in the dung of farmed animals.
(35:23):
Historically, dungavailability in London was not an
issue as parks, commons andpastures were regularly grazed by
livestock.
Still, in more recent years,many of these areas have been lost
and as a result, dung beetlepopulations in London have also declined.
The good folk at the People's Postcode.
(35:45):
Lottery are funding volunteersto carry out surveys for the correctly
named minotaur beetles, socalled after the shape of the horns
on the male beetle.
The next phase of the surveyswill be carried out in October as
we leave the woodland andwe're heading towards St. Mary's
Gate entrance and a chance toenjoy the herb garden.
(36:09):
You will all know I loveplants and enjoy growing and cooking
with them.
I've been vegan for manyyears, so herbs and spices are a
big part of my food journey.
I enjoy walled and herbgardens like this one, which is tucked
away besides St. Mary's Lodge.
The herb garden was initiallyestablished in 1969, but was then
(36:33):
redesigned in 1993 to what wesee today and from mint to Rosemary.
These herbs are surrounded bybox hedging in an ornate English
style landscape garden.
At the center of the garden, acircular thistle shaped fountain
sits within its own walled andfenced area.
(36:56):
Its waters flow gently ontopebbles nestled on its banks, providing
a peaceful and tranquil spotto enjoy the great outdoors and just
sit and wildlife or evenpeople watch.
There are plenty of benches oneach side of the garden to sit and
enjoy some tea, which you canget from the nearby White House Caf
(37:18):
in the park.
We don't have time for suchpleasures today though as we want
to get to see the Queen's Orchard.
The Queen's Orchard is anenclosed garden that dates from 1661
when Sir William Borman, thepark keeper, began the layout and
planting of the major avenues,the giant steps and this area known
(37:40):
then as the Dwarf orchard, allof which were completed by 1662.
The mulberry tree, which isstill in the centre of the garden,
is believed to date back to1610 and there is some evidence that
other fruit trees were plantedhere around the same time.
The orchard has had achallenging time under the control
(38:01):
of the Admiralty which.
Sold it to the Greenwichhospital trust in 1807.
Then in 1862 and again in1872, plans to build houses on the
site were abandoned afterstiff local opposition.
In 1976 the local councilpurchased the site from the Greenwich
(38:22):
Hospital Trust for housing.
Still, their plans were alsodefeated following a big public protest
and after this the councillost interest and the site remained
largely inaccessible to the public.
It was managed as a wildlifearea until 2007 when it was reincorporated
(38:42):
into Greenwich Park.
In 2011, the Royal Parks beganrestoring the Queen's Orchard to
its early 18th century design.
The park includes a formalcircular pond and a beautiful wildlife
pond built on the side of anartificial hill.
As we walked around theheritage fruit trees that have been
(39:03):
planted and enjoyed looking atthe excellent range of vegetables
and flowers that are grownalongside them, an old well rediscovered
on the site has been made tofind feature.
It is capped with a wrought iron.
Cover designed by local artistHeather Burrell.
Sticking with a gardeningtheme, it's time to look along the
herbaceous border.
(39:24):
At 200 meters long, GreenwichPark's herbaceous border is the longest
in London and it dates back to 1925.
But it was redesigned in 2013by the award winning garden designer
Chris Beardshaw.
It's at this point we decidedto end our day by visiting the Cutty
(39:45):
Sark before getting the UberRiverboat from Greenwich Pier back
along the Thames we took insome of the iconic sites of central
London before departing atWaterloo for our onward trip home.
Do hope you have enjoyed ouradventure around London's Greenwich
park today.
(40:06):
We saw some wildlife, weshared some history, garden and the
orchard which I hope you foundof interest and that has been this
week's Wildlife Matters main feature.
(40:27):
Thank you for joining us as weexplored and shared the wildlife
and history of Greenwich park,one of London's wildest places.
On the next Wildlife Matterspodcast, we'll start our new series,
the Wildlife Matters Guide 2.
And in this series we willcover a variety of topics on wildlife
(40:50):
and.
Nature, beginning with ourguide to hibernation for hedgehogs.
We'll share easy ways to turnyour garden or local green space
into a hedgehog haven.
It's another episode that youwill not want to miss, so be sure
to subscribe and follow theWildlife Matters podcast.
(41:12):
And if you have a moment, please.
Share or leave us a comment.
It really does help us reachmore wildlife and nature lovers.
Thanks again for spending yourtime with us today.
We genuinely appreciate everyone of you.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks, but until then, stay
(41:36):
curious wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning the book.
Sam to the brand new Seriesseven of the Wildlife Matters podcast.
(00:30):
It's been over four yearssince we launched and we've covered
a wide variety of wildlife andnature stories and we have some fascinating
new adventures to share withyou in this series as the season
changes into autumn and whatpromises to be a spectacular display
(00:51):
from the trees in Britain.
Following a long hot summer, abumper tree fruit harvest and a mast
year for acorns, we kick offthe Series seven with another urban
wildlife adventure around theoldest Royal park in London, which
is Greenwich Park.
(01:11):
Of course, we will spend sometime immersed in another audio sound
bath from nature in thisweek's Wildlife Matters mindful moments.
But before that, let's take alook at the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionin this week's Wildlife Matters Nature
(01:32):
News.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News
(01:53):
News.
Our headline story this weekis that the Government has confirmed
it will end badger coles aftera parliamentary debate sparked by
a Protect the Wild petitionwith over 102,000 signatures.
The 15 year policy of badgerculling aimed at tackling bovine
(02:13):
tuberculosis or BTB in Englandwill conclude amid growing pressure
from campaigners on and crossparty MPs for a science led non lethal
solution.
MPs responding passionatelyduring the Westminster hall debate
addressed the publicpetition's call for an immediate
end to the badger culling anda greater focus on cattle testing,
(02:37):
biosecurity and vaccination.
The government announced that2025 will be the final year for issuing
the new industry led cull licenses.
The decision was welcomed bycampaigners and MPs and marks the
end of a policy that led toover 240,000 badgers being culled
(02:59):
since 2013.
Minister for Food Security andRural Affairs Dame Angela Eagle stated,
I will be clear from theoutset that this government are committed
to to ending the badger cull.
We stand by that commitmentand I say again that the badger cull
is ending.
She added that after thisseason only one coal license would
(03:23):
remain active covering a TBhotspot in a low risk area.
She emphasised, by the end ofthe season there will be no coal
licenses in any high intensityor edge area.
The Government plans toreplace culling with enhanced cattle
testing, improved farmbiosecurity and widespread badger
(03:45):
and cattle vaccination as partof a strategy to eradicate bovine
TB.
In England by 2038.
A refreshed eradicationstrategy is being co designed with
farmers, vets, scientists and conservationists.
This new strategy willincorporate the 2023.
(04:05):
Update update to the Godfreyreview, which underscored the importance
of non lethal interventions.
And reducing contact betweenbadgers and cattle.
The debate was initiated byIrene Campbell, Labour MP for North
Ayrshire and Arran, whocriticized the cull as unjustified,
stating that badgers have beenpart of the British Isles for at
(04:29):
least 250,000 years.
She said culling them is acruel and ineffective way to tackle
the disease.
Citing data from Badger Trust,Campbell noted that 94% of BDP cases
stem from cow to cow transmission.
She added that Scotland, whichended badger culling in 2012, has
(04:53):
held official TB3 status since 2009.
She went on to question thelogic of continuing the cull, referencing
the 19982005 randomized badgerculling trials which concluded culling
could actually increase TBrates by dispersing infected animals
(05:13):
over wider areas.
The updated Godfrey reviewconcluded, as a decision has been
made to phase out culling, itis of great importance to develop
effective non lethal interventions.
Calls for better diagnosticswere echoed across the chamber.
Caroline Bowden, MP for SouthDevon, said farmers needed more advice
(05:35):
and support to implementbiosecurity measures and prevent
TB spread within herds.
And Gideon Amos, MP forTaunton and Wellington, cited Keith
Cutler, a former president ofthe British Cattle Veterinary association
who has pointed out inacademic papers that DEFRA's testing
(05:55):
is really not up to standard.
Andrew George, MP for St.Ives, referenced a 2021 University
of Cambridge study showingthat bovine TB is 17 times more likely
to spread between cattle thanto originate from badgers.
He encouraged the governmentto consider the whole genome sequencing
(06:16):
to trace infections more accurately.
And he questioned the Ministerabout the long awaited DIVA test,
which can distinguish betweeninfected and vaccinated cattle, noting
that it has been described asbeing 10 years away for decades.
George went on to ask if weare going to base policy on vaccination,
(06:38):
are there enough vaccinatorsand do we.
Have the mechanism to train more?
Perhaps the Minister couldadvise us.
Angela Eagle the Ministerconfirmed that a cattle BCG vaccine
vaccine and the DIVA skin testare currently in field trials, expressing
hope that we could start usingthese tools in the next few years.
(06:58):
She acknowledged frustrationwith the slow progress but cautioned
we have to ensure things aresafe and must not pressure medical
regulators just for aconvenient announcement to Parliament
regarding badger vaccination.
She reported that over 4,000badgers were vaccinated in 2024 and
(07:18):
a new badger vaccinator fieldforce will be deployed in 2026.
She said vaccinating 30% ofthe badger population is effective
for achieving our desired goals.
Several MPs urged thegovernment to consider successful
non culling strategies fromother countries.
Mr. Campbell referenced aVeterinary Record study noting that
(07:41):
Wales has achieved similarreductions in her bovine TB England
without widespread badgerculling and Andrew George highlighted
that southern Ireland hadpreviously undertaken widespread
culling but ceased thepractice, asking what lessons.
Have been learned from there.
Sarah Dyke commended theefforts at Gatcombe Farm in Devon
(08:04):
led by farmer Robert Reed andvet Dick Sibley, where a 10 year
eradication project has shownthat undetected cattle infections
are the primary driver of transmission.
She also criticizedrestrictions on enhanced testing.
It is absolutely ludicrous,she said, that we cannot continue
to test all animals in a herd.
(08:26):
In summary, Angela Eagleannounced plans for the government
to scale up badger vaccinationacross large contiguous areas whilst
rapidly advancing the cattle vaccine.
She reiterated that theconsensus is to.
Reduce the and ultimatelyeradicate bovine TB and to end badger
culling.
(08:46):
Eagle promised that a neweradication strategy would be introduced
next year, aiming for TB freestatus by 2038 with culling replaced
by vaccination, improvedsurveillance, better biosecurity
and the hopeful development ofa cattle vaccine seen and DIVA test.
These measures, she explained,would reduce TB's impact, protect
(09:10):
native wildlife species andbring hope to affected farming families.
This week's second storyhighlights concerns over the government's
proposed planning andinfrastructure bill.
Wildlife and Countryside Link,which represents over 90 nature based
organizations in Britain,warns that dormice otters and other
(09:33):
protected species, includingbadgers, face greater risks under
a proposed policy allowingdevelopers to pay a levy for environmental
impacts instead of following.
The current protection rules.
Their report finds littleevidence supporting benefits for
most species.
Although ministers continue toclaim that protective wildlife delays
(09:56):
projects and that the changessupport nature and growth, critics
disagree the bill would letdevelopers pay a nature restoration
levy to offset harm toprotected habitats or species funding
strategic improvements.
The government cites districtlevel licensing for great crested
(10:17):
newts where off site habitatcreation is paid for as a model.
But Wildlife Countryside Linkargues this approach is only proven
for without strong evidenceand trials.
Conservationists warn thatmoving away from local protections
could harm wildlife and animal welfare.
(10:38):
Experts highlight the sitespecific wildlife such as dormice
otters, barn owls, gray seals,badgers, salmon, hedgehogs and rare
fungi, rare.
Plants and beavers could allbe at risk.
Many of these species cannotrelocate or adapt, making the new
(10:58):
policy ineffective for them.
For the most widespread butdeclining species, the policy's effectiveness
remains unclear and unproven,the report notes.
Wildlife relies on conditionsthat take decades.
Or even centuries to develop.
Roosts, territories andhabitat structures cannot simply
(11:19):
be moved to a splitspreadsheet and restored later.
Richard Benwell, chiefexecutive of the Wildlife and Countryside
Link, told Wildlife, there's aglaring lack of evidence on protected
species.
This approach could quicklyworsen declines if misapplied.
Transparent science, aprecautionary approach and real.
(11:42):
World data are vital toprevent wildlife loss beneath new
development.
And Becky Pullinger of theWildlife Trust said the planning
and infrastructure billthreatens a massive overhaul of regulations
protecting wildlife.
And poses a significant risk.
(12:02):
Our third story brings somewelcome news for local wildlife,
thanks to a recent projectaimed at creating and restoring dew
ponds in Hampshire.
New funding will support theconstruction of additional ponds
in the South Pole DownsNational Park.
A £75,000 funding boost willenable the creation of 11 much needed
(12:25):
wildlife ponds across the areaof the park, contributing to nature
recovery.
Jan Nolson from the nationalpark told Wildlife Matters that dew
ponds traditionally dug byfarmers on the South Downs chalk
grasslands as livestockwatering holes have become increasingly
rare, with some dugouts datingback centuries.
(12:47):
And Nolson continued changingagricultural practices and climate
change have led to a declineor disappearance of many of these
ponds, and the remaining onesare now vital for wildlife, providing
refuge and water to.
Insects, birds, amphibians and mammals.
To address this, the SouthDowns National.
(13:09):
Park Trust, the park'sofficial charity, launched.
Pounds for Ponds two yearsago, working with the park authority,
local landowners and farmersto reverse this decline.
The initiative, delivered inpartnership with pond specialist
and wildlife charity FrogLife, aims to raise 1 million pounds
(13:30):
to restore 100 ponds.
Funding has so far come frompublic donations and support from
the National Lottery HeritageFund, the Bannister Trust and bfw.
Recent ecological surveys showthat the restored ponds are already
boosting biodiversity.
Notably, the scarce bluetailed damselfly was found the newly
(13:52):
restored Seven Sisters CountryPark Pond just the second colony
discovered in Sussex this yearand the sixth.
In the county since 1900.
Completed pond projectsinclude Roll Wood, Arundel, the Rails
at Alfresne, Nepcock Green andGallop Farm in Findon Foxhole Pond
(14:15):
and.
Newbarn Pond at the SevenSisters Country.
Park Henley's Sow Bench andPond Field in Singleton, Chantry
Hill near Storrington and theMagdalene Hill near Winchester.
Ongoing or plannedrestorations are underway at Amberley
Pond, Balmer Down Dew Pondnear Lewis with new plants Hazelbank
(14:37):
Farm, milland restoring an1860 pond drove Park New Haven restoring
two ponds and adding wildflower.
Margins Middle Barn Pond,Singleton a dew.
Pond restoration and two newponds at Kingston Community Farm
near Lewis, Jan Nolson,national park biodiversity officer,
(15:00):
said, we estimate There wereover 1,000 ponds across the South
Downs a century ago, butnumbers have dropped dramatically,
impacting wildlife pondssupport about 70% of all freshwater
species.
As summers get hotter due toclimate change, these ponds are more
essential than ever, and KathyWarmold, CEO of Frog Life, told Wildlife
(15:25):
Matters we're delighted towork with the South Downs national
park on this pond project andto help fund Dupond restoration.
Pounds for ponds complementsFrog Life's discovering Dupond's
efforts in the region, whichfocus on both restoration and public
awareness of.
The pond's ecological andhistorical value.
(15:47):
If any of today's stories haveinspired you, please leave us a comment
on social media or whereveryou listen to your podcasts.
And if you have a story youfeel we should be covering, please
do get in touch.
You can find our email addressin the Show Notes and that's it for
(16:07):
this week's Wildlife MattersNature Review.
Foreign.
(16:28):
Announcements this week are amixed bag.
Whilst we welcome theconfirmation that the.
Badger culls will end, wecontinue to.
Question why it's not thecattle, the primary source of bovine
tb, that will be vaccinated,and why we are prioritizing the vaccine
vaccination of just one wildspecies, that is badgers, when all
(16:52):
wild.
Mammals and domestic ones cancarry bovine tb.
Surely the solution here is tovaccinate the cattle?
We're also seriously concernedabout the new Planning and Infrastructure
Bill's impact on wildlife and habitats.
The governments believe thatspecies and habitats can be offset
(17:13):
and protected is misguided,and their proposal to weaken the
Protection of Badgers actseems cynical, especially as.
They celebrate being thedefenders of badgers.
Whilst ending the culls.
Perhaps now is the perfectmoment to seek refuge in nature and
enjoy an audio experience.
(17:36):
And afterwards we have asurprise to reveal once you have
listened to this.
Week'S Wildlife Mattersmindful moment, we hope.
(19:04):
You enjoyed the sound ofsparrows recorded while I watched
London's iconic skyline fromGreenwich park on a hot and sunny
August afternoon.
Greenwich park is the focus ofthis week's Wildlife Matters main
feature, so join.
Me as we explore the oldest ofLondon's royal parks and discover
(19:29):
its rich wildlife and history,which make it one.
Of London's wildest places onthis week's Wildlife Matters main
feature.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
(19:52):
And today we're exploringanother of London's.
Wildest places, Greenwich Park.
Greenwich park is the oldestof London's eight Royal parks and
it's easily accessible nomatter how you arrive.
Its welcoming accessibilitymakes it a perfect destination for
(20:12):
all.
Greenwich park is a treasuretrove of attractions, each more exciting
than the last.
From its spacious boulevardsto its flower filled gardens, and
from its wildlife rich meadowsto its historic spots dating back
to Roman times, there'ssomething for everyone to discover
(20:32):
and enjoy.
For those who rise with the sun.
Or prefer the tranquility ofthe night, Greenwich park is a haven
of peace.
It's one of the best places inLondon to witness the beauty of a
sunrise or sunset.
And its serene atmosphere isjust perfect for night owls seeking
(20:55):
a quiet retreat.
Greenwich park is a Grade 1listed place that is well worth visiting
if you are in SE10.
It is home to an array ofancient trees that provide an ideal
nesting ground for speciesincluding tawny owls, woodpeckers,
thrushes and warblers.
(21:17):
It's also home to pipistrelbats and over 92 species of of spiders.
So if you're ready, let'scheck it out.
Greenwich is a special placefor me.
Generations of my family havelived and worked in the area and
some still do.
Greenwich park has a recordmaking history.
(21:39):
It's where east meets west atlongitude 0 on the meridian line,
part of the maritime GreenwichWorld Heritage Site.
I usually arrive at Maize HillStation and enter the park by the
playground area beforestarting the fairly steep climb to
One Tree Hill, which is one ofthe park's highlights.
(22:02):
One Tree Hill is the highpoint and it's about 300 meters east
of the Observatory Hill.
It has been popular withartists and visitors for centuries,
offering the most atmosphericviewpoint across the River Thames
and into London, especially at sunset.
In the 17th century it wascalled Five Tree Hill, but it was
(22:26):
also known as Sand Hill,referring to its sandy summit which
is now paved over.
Since the 18th century, thename One Tree Hill has been adopted
because of the singleprominent tree at its very highest
point.
The current tree is a London plain.
That replaced its predecessor,which was probably.
(22:48):
An oak which was blown down ina storm on 22 August 1848.
I am told it was a year ofdreadful weather.
There was scarcely any summerthat year, which sounds a bit familiar.
Along with the devastatingcrop failures throughout the country,
One Tree Hill was a popularvenue for pleasure seekers during
(23:11):
the Greenwich Fair, with aband often playing at the top.
It was also the place wherethe main activity of the fair fair
tumbling, which is as itsounds, rolling down the hill as
quickly as you could go.
The view from One Tree Hillhas attracted many artists, most
(23:31):
notably J.M.W.
turner, whose painting Londonfrom Greenwich park was exhibited
in 1809 and is strikinglyreminiscent of today.
In 1845, Louis Jules Arnaultpainted it from a balloon showing
a very different scene.
(23:52):
A poem about One Tree Hill waspublished in 1784 and a verse from
it is carved into the seatingalong the southerly wall.
This poem is ascribed toThomas Nicholls, a little known amateur
poet of that era.
The ironic theme of the poemis that no famous poet has ever written
(24:14):
about One Tree Hill, despiteits worthiness.
And there are many storiesabout One Tree Hill, including Queen
Elizabeth I stopping on thehill to picnic under the great oak
tree in 1602.
That oak was known as the Oakof Honour, which gave the local area
its name, Honor Oak.
(24:35):
According to other localstories, One Tree Hill was also the
site of Queen Boudicca's laststand against the Romans in A.D.
61, and it was also the hauntof the famous highwayman Dick Turpin.
Today, a commemorative oaktree planted in 1905 takes pride
(24:56):
of place at the summit of the hill.
There's also an old gunemplacement built to shoot down zeppelin
airships during the FirstWorld War and a beacon constructed
to mark the silver anniversaryof King George VI in 1934, which
was also used to see in thenew millennium in 2000.
(25:17):
Perhaps best of all though isthe view of London.
From the top of the hill youlook past London plain and oak trees
to see the city of London's skyline.
It's hard to believe that thissmall patch of natural tranquility
is so close to the busy cityof London, which you can see so clearly.
(25:39):
One Tree Hill is a bit of aclimb, but it is worth it for the
stunning views over the cityskyline and the spectacular sunrises
and sunsets.
And you'll often have theplace to yourself, making it one
of the best places for anyoneseeking solitude in the whole of
London.
(25:59):
As I walked down from One TreeHill and headed towards the Roman
ruins, I was drawn to thesounds of corvids, mainly jackdaws
and magpies who were trying toout compete each other with the loudest
squawk and call as theycircled above me.
Now, if you heard me say Romanruins and you think a vestige of
(26:21):
old Londinium might haveescaped your notice, then calm down.
All there is to see is agrassy knoll, almost indistinguishable
from the grassy plain thatsurrounds it.
It which would be utterlyunremarkable were it not for the
helpful explanatory panel thatwith the help of an artist's impression,
(26:43):
encourages you to imagine howthe Roman temple might perhaps have
looked once upon a time.
Next is one of GreenwichPark's natural highlights, the ancient
Queen Elizabeth oak.
The ancient tree's remains aretucked away in a central but secluded
location in the park's centre.
(27:05):
Despite its name, the oak isbelieved to have been planted long
before Queen Elizabeth I'sreign, probably as far back as the
13th century.
A tree ring analysisundertaken in 2012 estimated the
date.
There are many stories to betold about this tree.
I'm starting with King HenryVIII dancing around the tree to impress
(27:30):
Anne Boleyn.
Another old story is thatQueen Elizabeth I enjoyed sitting
in the shade of the tree andtaking refreshments when she was
in the park.
Now whether it's true or not,what is certain is that Greenwich
was one of the Tudorsfavourite locations and that the
200-year-old tree would havebeen a notable feature of the park
(27:52):
during their time.
Another story is that in the19th century the hollowed out trunk,
some 7 meters incircumference, was used to lock up
anyone who had broken the park rules.
But by the late 19th centurythe tree had died and was only kept
upright by a thick ivy covering.
(28:15):
The ancient oak finallytoppled over during a storm in June
1991 and has assumed itshorizontal position ever since.
A tree that is around 750years old has earned the right to
rest today.
Another oak stands next to it.
(28:35):
It was planted in 1992 by theDuke of Edinburgh to celebrate Queen
Elizabeth the second 40thanniversary since her accession to
the throne.
Next we headed towards theFlower Garden.
We enjoy stopping off at theFlower Garden which was created in
the 1890s.
(28:56):
It has stunning cedar andtulip trees and is always full of
seasonal colour.
It is a quintessentialEdwardian garden and an excellent
place to sit and enjoy theviews around the pond area.
We follow the deer trailthrough what is known as the wilderness
and indeed.
That is very, very true today as.
(29:18):
There appeared to be a no deerin the park.
I later found out that thefallow deer are having a break in
Richmond park whilst some workis being carried out in the area.
We quickly moved along tovisit the park pond and soon spotted
mallards with their ducklingson the grass.
We walked around to the farend of the lake and found a pair
(29:41):
of moorhens and a juvenilerobin within the lakeside shrubs.
A single Egyptian goose wasseemingly enjoying a little solitude
on the grass.
We carried on and as wemeandered through the woodland area
we did manage to see quite afew robins, wren, dunnock, great
(30:02):
and blue tits and a femalegreater spotted woodpecker.
The bright green rose neckedparakeets, maybe 30 to 40 were landing
in the treetops, squeakingloudly as they triumphantly slipped
celebrated their return to the park.
The gray squirrels areconstant entertainment as they hurry
(30:23):
about their business.
Some are incredibly tame andhave no fear of humans which is not
great idea for any wild animal.
However, they scamper towardsyou and stop and take a look, maybe
just checking you out and ifthey feel you are okay then they
may come just a little closer.
(30:43):
I did enjoy this briefinteraction though.
Squirrels are so charismaticand have very distinct personalities
and they have so many cutelooks and moves that it's hard not
to fall in love with them.
The next stop is the Rose Garden.
The classical beds are home tovarious flowers creating a vibrant,
(31:04):
colourful display each summer.
The Rose Gardens were part ofthe park ranger's house managed by
English Heritage and it housesthe Werner collection, a collection
of artworks amassed by diamondmagnet Sir Julius Werner who lived
from 1850 to 1912.
(31:26):
The rose garden was originallyplanted in 1960 through to 61.
It was enlarged and replantedin 93 through to 94 which is when
the yew hedge was also planted.
The beds are laid out in asemi circular and planted with predominantly
hybrid tea and floribund under roses.
(31:47):
We visited in August and theRose gardens were closed for restoration.
The sign said that the Rosegarden urgently needed restoring.
The existing roses have becomeexhausted through rose replant sickness.
This is a soil borne fungiroot disease in the soil where the
roses have been grown for sometime and it can prevent the growth
(32:10):
of or cause the death of newroses planted in the the area.
A buildup of rose specificpests will also be present in and
around the Rose Garden areamaking new roses more susceptible
to disease and damage.
We saw many of the samewildlife species in the Rose garden,
(32:31):
but we also saw a pair of blackbirds.
We were heading towards theRoyal Observatory where Greenwich
meantime was born and whereyou can stand with one foot in the
Eastern Hemisphere and one inthe West.
We arrived at 1pm when you canset your watch or in our case phone
(32:51):
the way generations ofLondoners have done since 1833 by
dropping the bright red time ball.
This historical timekeepingtradition hasn't missed a single
day in almost 200 years.
It is a busy place though andwe don't stay for long, preferring
(33:13):
to head towards Croom's Hill.
Woodland and grassland CroomsHill is a road that runs adjacent
to the west side of Greenwichpark and is said to be one of the
oldest roads in England.
The name comes from the Celticword crumb, which means crooked or
twisty.
This area of the park has morewoodland, with some of the sweet
(33:34):
chestnuts here being over 400years old.
There are many fine ancientoaks and cedar trees here.
Their gnarled and crevicedtrunks are perfect microhabitats
for roosting bats, fungi andmany species of beetles and spiders
in the park.
(33:55):
A survey by the Friends ofGreenwich park revealed over 92 species
of spider living in the park,plus 11 just outside the park's boundaries.
They found species such as thecucumber spider, cellar spider, flower
crab spider, the false widowgarden spider, wasp spider, giant
(34:18):
house spider, water spider,nursery web spider, and the raft
spider.
And in a first for London,Enigma puella, which is a tiny green
spider with a distinctive redmark on its abdomen.
One of the current surveyswithin the park is searching for
(34:39):
dung beetles.
Dung beetles are an essentialprovider of ecosystem services.
By burying, moving and eatingdung produced by rabbits, deer and
horses, they carry outecological functions such as soil
fertilization, nutrientrecycling, bioturbation and seed
(35:01):
dispersal.
And their cleanup operationalso helps to reduce populations
of biting flies and deer parasites.
Throughout Britain.
The once common dung beetlehas declined and it's now at risk
of extinction, mainly due tothe use of antiparasite medication
in the dung of farmed animals.
(35:23):
Historically, dungavailability in London was not an
issue as parks, commons andpastures were regularly grazed by
livestock.
Still, in more recent years,many of these areas have been lost
and as a result, dung beetlepopulations in London have also declined.
The good folk at the People's Postcode.
(35:45):
Lottery are funding volunteersto carry out surveys for the correctly
named minotaur beetles, socalled after the shape of the horns
on the male beetle.
The next phase of the surveyswill be carried out in October as
we leave the woodland andwe're heading towards St. Mary's
Gate entrance and a chance toenjoy the herb garden.
(36:09):
You will all know I loveplants and enjoy growing and cooking
with them.
I've been vegan for manyyears, so herbs and spices are a
big part of my food journey.
I enjoy walled and herbgardens like this one, which is tucked
away besides St. Mary's Lodge.
The herb garden was initiallyestablished in 1969, but was then
(36:33):
redesigned in 1993 to what wesee today and from mint to Rosemary.
These herbs are surrounded bybox hedging in an ornate English
style landscape garden.
At the center of the garden, acircular thistle shaped fountain
sits within its own walled andfenced area.
(36:56):
Its waters flow gently ontopebbles nestled on its banks, providing
a peaceful and tranquil spotto enjoy the great outdoors and just
sit and wildlife or evenpeople watch.
There are plenty of benches oneach side of the garden to sit and
enjoy some tea, which you canget from the nearby White House Caf
(37:18):
in the park.
We don't have time for suchpleasures today though as we want
to get to see the Queen's Orchard.
The Queen's Orchard is anenclosed garden that dates from 1661
when Sir William Borman, thepark keeper, began the layout and
planting of the major avenues,the giant steps and this area known
(37:40):
then as the Dwarf orchard, allof which were completed by 1662.
The mulberry tree, which isstill in the centre of the garden,
is believed to date back to1610 and there is some evidence that
other fruit trees were plantedhere around the same time.
The orchard has had achallenging time under the control
(38:01):
of the Admiralty which.
Sold it to the Greenwichhospital trust in 1807.
Then in 1862 and again in1872, plans to build houses on the
site were abandoned afterstiff local opposition.
In 1976 the local councilpurchased the site from the Greenwich
(38:22):
Hospital Trust for housing.
Still, their plans were alsodefeated following a big public protest
and after this the councillost interest and the site remained
largely inaccessible to the public.
It was managed as a wildlifearea until 2007 when it was reincorporated
(38:42):
into Greenwich Park.
In 2011, the Royal Parks beganrestoring the Queen's Orchard to
its early 18th century design.
The park includes a formalcircular pond and a beautiful wildlife
pond built on the side of anartificial hill.
As we walked around theheritage fruit trees that have been
(39:03):
planted and enjoyed looking atthe excellent range of vegetables
and flowers that are grownalongside them, an old well rediscovered
on the site has been made tofind feature.
It is capped with a wrought iron.
Cover designed by local artistHeather Burrell.
Sticking with a gardeningtheme, it's time to look along the
herbaceous border.
(39:24):
At 200 meters long, GreenwichPark's herbaceous border is the longest
in London and it dates back to 1925.
But it was redesigned in 2013by the award winning garden designer
Chris Beardshaw.
It's at this point we decidedto end our day by visiting the Cutty
(39:45):
Sark before getting the UberRiverboat from Greenwich Pier back
along the Thames we took insome of the iconic sites of central
London before departing atWaterloo for our onward trip home.
Do hope you have enjoyed ouradventure around London's Greenwich
park today.
(40:06):
We saw some wildlife, weshared some history, garden and the
orchard which I hope you foundof interest and that has been this
week's Wildlife Matters main feature.
(40:27):
Thank you for joining us as weexplored and shared the wildlife
and history of Greenwich park,one of London's wildest places.
On the next Wildlife Matterspodcast, we'll start our new series,
the Wildlife Matters Guide 2.
And in this series we willcover a variety of topics on wildlife
(40:50):
and.
Nature, beginning with ourguide to hibernation for hedgehogs.
We'll share easy ways to turnyour garden or local green space
into a hedgehog haven.
It's another episode that youwill not want to miss, so be sure
to subscribe and follow theWildlife Matters podcast.
(41:12):
And if you have a moment, please.
Share or leave us a comment.
It really does help us reachmore wildlife and nature lovers.
Thanks again for spending yourtime with us today.
We genuinely appreciate everyone of you.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks, but until then, stay
(41:36):
curious wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning the book.
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