ROAD WORKS
Thank you for bearing with us whilst the improvements to the Park roads are made. The final period of disruption will be when traffic lights are installed from 10th – 22 April at Sheen Cross whilst the 3rd raised crossing point is installed.
WARBLERS
Warblers are, generally speaking, summer migratory birds that fly to the UK and breed here. Many of them are small and brown and similar looking and not easy to tell apart unless you are an experienced birdwatcher. However they do have differing calls and some can be quite distinctive. Chiff-Chaffs, White-Throats, and Black-Caps are reasonably easy to hear in Richmond in the summer and with very little time listening to recordings on-line visitors can quickly get to know the birds that punctuate their routine walks.
OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH - PESTICIDE SPRAYING
In early April the eggs of the invasive insect pest, Oak Processionary Moth, start hatching. The eggs over winter on the twigs of oak trees and the young caterpillars emerge as the weather gets warmer and the leaves on which they feed unfurl. The caterpillars may cause extensive defoliation of the host tree and also carry toxic hairs which can pose a serious threat to human and animal health. Early season management of this challenging pest includes targeted pesticide spraying in some areas of the park. Much of this takes place at night to minimise inconvenience to park users. However, day-time spraying is sometimes necessary, particularly where ground conditions are unsuitable for night-time working. Please avoid the proximity of the spraying operation and follow any instructions given by the ground crew accompanying the spraying rigs.
TICKS AND LYME DISEASE
Ticks are small, spider like insects that attach themselves to humans, dogs and other animals to feed on blood. Whilst the risk is very low, they can transmit diseases including Lyme disease. Ticks cannot fly or jump but instead they cling onto tall vegetation and wait for their host to brush past. During spring, summer and autumn ticks are more numerous, more active and the park vegetation such as bracken is in ‘full frond’. Park visitors are advised to guard against tick bites by avoiding tall vegetation (especially if wearing shorts) and stay on well worn paths. Insect repellent can also be used. Check yourself after walking in the parks and remove ticks immediately. If concerned, you feel unwell or a rash appears - consult your GP immediately. Please see the Royal Parks website or visit the Information Centre for an information leaflet.
