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Monthly Update

March 2026

Hope on the horizon with snowdrops in evidence and aconites too.

Visiting_Regents_Park_GettingThere

Monthly Update - March 2026


Dear << Test Full Name >>

I think most of us were happy to see the end of February, which this year was extremely wet, windy and dull at least for its first half.  Gratefully it is the shortest month.  And now in March the daffodils are resplendent, there are carpets of crocuses, and the trees are starting to blossom.   Birdsong is suddenly all around. Spring is imminent.

This month, several lengthy projects ongoing in the park will come to fruition…York Bridge will open, as will the new toilets at Chester Gate and it won't be long before the new garden in honour of QEII will be open to the public.  There is a lot to look forward to and to experience.

If you didn't opt out specifically, you will have received in the post a copy of the Non-Musical Events Programme outlining a record number of walks, talks, tours and more.  Hopefully you have heeded the advice to sign up immediately for events that appeal so that you don't miss out.

In April the Spring/Summer Newsletter will publish around 19 April. Again, unless you opted out, it will be sent to you by post and copies are always available in the cafés and on Rambling Rosie, our Visitor Information Van.  The newsletter will be chock full of articles about new developments in the park, new projects, people appointments, sports activities, news about the natural world as well as volunteering and events opportunities.  

You will learn about what's on at The Open Air Theatre and what ZSL aka The London Zoo has going on. There is something for everyone I hope and if not please let us know.
 

Robin Black
Newsletter Editor - Friends of Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
newsletter@friendsofregentspark.org
 


Friends Updates

What's on in March

 
If you elected to receive a printed copy of our events booklet, you should already have received yours by post. Otherwise, it is now available on the website. 

https://www.frp-ph-members.org/pages/events

Events for the year are filling up fast, so if you want a place, we advise you to book quickly to avoid disappointment.
 


Special Course

 

An Introduction to Floristry & Craft Skills

 

 26 February - 26 March or 7 May – 11 June
One Thursday a week for 5 weeks, 9:30am – 4pm

 
A hands-on course covering basic floristry and creative craft techniques.
 
This course is only available for those who are aged 19 or over.  Ideal for complete beginners, this part-time course will provide a great introduction into the floristry industry, as well as helping to acquire some basic skills.  Delivered one day per week for a duration of five weeks, this course is a great opportunity to try something new.
 
On the 5-week course you will learn.
•   How to create floral arrangements
•   How to create wired and planted designs with theory
•   Seasonal availability
•   How to preserve flowers and select the correct flowers for various occasions
 
This course is an accredited qualification run by awarding body Gateway called Certificate in Vocational Studies.  All participants will be required to fully complete a booklet throughout their studies which captures knowledge covered over the 5-weeks which will form part of the certification process.
  
All participants will be required to complete an enrolment form via the booking link below and pay the £25 at the enrolment stage via the Capel Manor College online enrolment portal. Booking is made with Capel Manor College directly, not via the Friends of Regent's Park website.
 
12 Places.  This course is open to all, not just Friends.
 
MEET: 9:15am Capel Manor Campus on Regent's Park.  Entrance is on Chester Road.
 
COST:  £25 for all 5 days, including all materials.  
 
BOOKING LINK: Introduction to craft skills floristry booking page
 
Once you have signed up and paid for this event no money can be refunded if you cannot attend for any reason.  You can, however, transfer your place to somebody else.
 


Seed Sowing Workshop

Thursday 26 March,
Morning Session 10:00am – 12:30pm

 
In this hands-on workshop run, by the Capel Manor College, you will learn the essential techniques for successful seed sowing.  Participants will gain practical experience in planting seeds, understanding watering and light requirements, and tips for nurturing seedlings into healthy plants. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to grow their own flowers, herbs, or vegetables from scratch!
 
12 places – Friends only
 
MEET: 9:45am Capel Manor Campus on Regent's Park.  Entrance is on Chester Road.
 
COST: £40 per session for Friends.  Only open for Friends.
 
N.B.    Once you have signed up and paid for this event we will pay the provider, therefore no money can be refunded if you cannot attend for any reason.  You can, however, transfer your place to somebody else.
 
Book Now

 


Invitation to Talks about New Garden, Our Future and Gifts in Wills
  

The Friends are invited to a special event at the park on Wednesday 18 March (11a.m-1.30p.m). The event will include:

• A talk about the new horticulture vision by Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy.
• A special pre-opening tour of the new, two-acre garden the charity is creating to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II.
• Members of the charity's team will also explain the vital role that gifts in Wills are set to play in protecting The Regent's Park as it faces new challenges and share information about The Royal Parks' Free Wills service.
 
The event will begin at the park's Storeyard. Attendees are warmly invited to join the charity team for refreshments at the Storeyard following the tour. Places are limited.

Please visit royalparks.org.uk/legacyevent to register your interest. You are very welcome to request a ticket for a family member or friend.
 


Natural History Meeting

Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
 

'The Fascinating World of Flies,' Rory Dimond, Nature Conservationist & Wildlife Monitor


This talk will be held at 6:30 p.m. Meeting Room, Regent's Park Offices, NW1 4NR If you wish to join us please confirm attendance to e-mail below. A full list of Natural History Talks will be published in the Spring/Summer Newsletter and/ or monthly updates throughout the year.

Organiser: Kennedy Cruickshank on wildlife@friendsofregentspark.org
 

The Earliest Migrant

 
Testing UK global warming, the earliest migrant found in the Park, by Magnus Andersson and predicted by Dave Johnson., has been a Stonechat, sitting alert on flowering gorse, where else but on the edge of the 'chat-pen' as a Valentine's day present to passers-by.            
Stonechat captured by Magnus Andersson
Our regular visitor is the water rail, captured here in Robin Hamilton's photo of 6th February.       
Courtesy of Robin Hamilton


Wildest Moments – One to Watch for Wildlife Lovers
 

On Thursday 19 March, tune in to Wildest Moments, a 12-part series produced in conjunction with ZSL to mark the conservation charity's 200th anniversary.

Broadcaster, adventurer and self-confessed animal-lover Ben Fogle will take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride as he delves into deeply personal stories of human-wildlife encounters.

Rescuing lions from war-torn Ukraine, a dolphin pod protecting a father and daughter from a shark attack and a woman racing against time to save a horse trapped in quicksand are just some of the remarkable stories shared in Wildest Moments.

Available on all major streaming platforms, new episodes of Wildest Moments will drop on the third Thursday of each month. Watch the trailer and find out more at www.zsl.org/wildestmoments
 
Wildest Moments

 



Royal Parks Updates


New Chair for Royal Parks Takes up Her Post
 

Dr Linda Yueh CBE has been appointed as the new Chair of The Royal Parks. Dr Yueh has been appointed on a term of four years, starting on 1 March 2026. She takes over from  Sir Loyd Grossman CBE.
 
Dr Yueh brings with her impressive leadership skills and a broad range of experience that will be vital in the coming years for the charity. Dr Yueh is Fellow in Economics at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, and Adjunct Professor of Economics at London Business School. She was appointed CBE for services to economics.

She is a member of the English Law Promotion Panel and the UK Soft Power Council, chairs a London Stock Exchange-listed investment company, and serves as a non-executive director of FTSE 100 companies. She is also a trustee of UK and international charitable foundations.
 
She was previously Executive Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a board member of London & Partners, London's growth agency, including during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
 


Save The Date

Major Events in Regent's Park

 
The dates for our annual Big Events, Taste and Frieze have now been announced. 

Taste of London – Wednesday 17- Sunday 21 June, 2026.  Learn more here: Taste of London

Frieze Sculpture – Wednesday 16 September 0 Sunday 1 November, 2026  Click here for more information Frieze website

Frieze London and Frieze Masters – Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 October, 2026
 

 


The Friends' Annual General Meeting


Thursday 28 May, 2026, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Danish Church, 4 St. Katherine's Precinct, on the Outer Circle
London NW1 4HH

 

 
The Danish Church is a gorgeous venue, not to be missed. Learn more about your park, its people and your membership. Drinks and nibbles to follow. More information to be provided in our Spring/Summer Newsletter but please put the date in your diary now.

 


Chit Chat


A casual catch-up with Friends takes place every Tuesday at the Primrose Hill Café.  All Friends are welcome with no regular commitment, fees or pressure.

Once British Summer Time kicks off on 29 March, we will gather from 3-5 p.m. ie from 31 March onwards. Please join us! All are welcome in the inclusive gathering of park lovers.

 

Thank you to our sponsors

Melia

©2026 Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill

Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1201666)

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