OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH
June is the time of year when the caterpillars of this non-native invasive Moth are on the move and may be seen “processing” around the trunk or branches of oak trees. They can sometimes appear very close to the ground. The hairs of the caterpillars carry a toxin, which can be harmful to human and animal health, causing skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory problems. In April and May targeted pesticide spraying took place on oaks in busy areas of the park and areas that have previously been heavily infested. This is followed by careful surveying of the park in June and July to locate nests which are then removed by specialist operatives using protective clothing and equipment. If you come across the caterpillars or their webbed nests, please do not touch them and keep children and pets away. Please call the Park Office on: 0300 061 2250 to report any sightings.
MISSION INVERTEBRATE
This is an exciting new project, which aims to promote the importance of the grassland invertebrates that thrive in The Royal Parks. Habitat enhancement works are currently underway to transform an area of Poet’s Corner at Pembroke Lodge into a pollinator garden complete with a wildflower meadow and pollinator-friendly boarders and hedgerow planting.
This project also includes working with an Oxford scientist who is carrying out a survey focussing on the ecology of the yellow meadow ants, whose hills can be seen throughout Richmond Park. The fascinating world of the ants will be further investigated with the help of volunteers in a citizen science project planned for July. If you are interested in taking part then please contact Bryony Cross. E-mail: BCross@royalparksfoundation.org
This summer, you can also join our giant snail tour, which will be visiting Richmond Park from 22nd – 26th July and 1st – 2nd August, in partnership with The Holly Lodge Centre. There’s storytelling, bug trails, creative crafting and invertebrate missions galore! Look out for our giant snail caravan packed with activities for all the family and free family activities throughout the day between 11am and 3pm. No booking is required but for more details, please look at our website: www.royalparks.org.uk/be-involved/mission-invertebrate
DEER
The deer are now giving birth to their young until July. The young are often hidden by their mothers amongst the tall bracken and longer grass and are vulnerable to disturbance from humans and dogs so please respect the following:
- Keep out of the nursery areas, which all have signs up in situ.
- Keep at least 50 metres away from the deer and be aware of your surroundings so that you do not come between a mother and her calf.
- Do not touch, feed or photograph the deer at close range.
- Deer can feel threatened by dogs, even over long distances, so please use alternative places, if possible. If you choose to walk in the Park, please keep your dog on a lead or under close control and stay clear of the remote quiet places where deer are more likely to have young.
PARK ROAD CLOSURES
The Park will be closed to traffic on Sunday 4th June for the London 10 Mile Run, which is a new event being held in Richmond Park for the first time.
Please note the Park will also be closed on 30th July for the Ride London event and on 17th September for the Duathlon event.
“Please take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time”