Spring is here with warmer temperatures, snowdrops and daffodils.
Spring is well and truly here and snowdrops and daffodils are making their presence known. Next will be blackthorn blossoms which volunteers have recently planted to encourage bird and other wildlife (see below).
In the Queen Mary’s Garden, the world-famous roses are getting special attention. Several new rose varieties, including ‘Eustacia Vye’ and ‘Lady of Shalott,’ will make their debut this year. There is lots going on in our Park as the cafés are getting a much needed makeover and a boost to their menus too. York Bridge work is ongoing so please remember that when you venture up to the park.
A year ago the Friends agreed to support planting ‘whips’, or little blackthorn saplings that nightingales (and many other birds) might nest in. Brown hairstreaks, charming if elusive butterflies with gold orange colouring on the forewings and fine blue streaks on their hindwings, also lay their eggs on blackthorn branch junctions.
Initiated by Matt Steinmann, the tree or Arboricultural Officer for the Park, two patches of small whips were planted by volunteers under Charlotte Cass’ guidance from Help Nature Thrive, in late January. These and more patches will gradually be planted out in selected areas across the Park and Primrose Hill to become thickets that will need 3-yearly thinning in rotation. Nightingales will not nest in over-dense scrub. Volunteers will be needed for that thorny task in due course.
Despite low temperatures, clear days have meant bird song is all about. Thrushes, green finches, an occasional chaffinch and our also-elusive friend the water-rail. Recently the deadly sparrow hawk was seen and photographed drowning a jackdaw.
The Metropolitan police are facing extensive budget cuts, and one proposal is to abolish the dedicated police force for the Royal Parks and replace them by local police. The very likely outcome would be an increase in crime in our park and an even bigger problem of anti-social behaviour, in particular due to gatherings on Primrose Hill.
A major campaign has been launched by the Royal Parks and each of the Chairs of the Friends have written to their MP’s, local councillors etc. Our Chairman has written to the two MP’s whose constituency includes parts of Regent’s Park, Sir Kier Starmer (Holborn & St Pancras) for the East side and Rachel Blake (The City and Westminster) for the West side.
Maximum impact is achieved if they receive a cascade of letters at their Constituency office so we suggest that each member write to their MP. Their e-mail addresses are as follows:
keir.starmer.constituency@
rachel.blake.mp@parliament.uk
After 32 years of producing quarterly Newsletters, we have decided to produce two newsletters per year:
Spring/Summer (publishing mid-April)
Autumn/Winter Publishing (mid-October)
These will be complemented by monthly updates, like this one, with time sensitive news that would ‘fall through the cracks’ otherwise. We hope you like this new approach and most importantly, read them.
Thursday 29th May 6pm
The Danish Church
4 St. Katherine’s Precinct
Regent’s Park
London NW1 4HH
Topic ‘Dragonflies & Opportunities for the Park’
Please register via wildlife@
The Events Programme for 2025 will go ‘live’ some time this month. Don’t be disappointed as spaces are limited. Check the events area on the website below once it has opened. We have a huge programme of walks, talks, tours, special events and more!
As we await the spring season, remember to wrap up warmly if you plan to visit the park!
Mark, Chair – Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
This lively group of regulars continues to engage, interact, converse and strike up new friendships every week. From Tuesday 11th March it will move from its usual home in The Primrose Hill Café when it closes for refurbishment.
Just head south along the Broadwalk to the newly refurbished Broadwalk Café, a 20 minute walk from our usual gathering place. We will return to the Primrose Hill Café on completion of its refurbishment. We thank Wallacea Living for sponsoring this community-driven initiative (and cake) and to Benugo providing refreshments. Free to attend.
Behind the scenes your Committee are working hard to bring you a bigger than ever events programme, an amazing music festival and volunteering opportunities to make you feel a real part of the park we all love. All will be revealed in our new look Spring/Summer newsletter when it comes out in mid-April; in the meantime we hope you have found this update useful!
Mark Elliott
Chair- Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Thank you to our sponsors
©2025 Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1201666)
