Bird-ringing demonstration

Professional ornithologist, Bill Haines, was delighted to find a group of 30 enthusiasts waiting for him when he arrived to set up the mist nets for the bird-ringing demonstration in Holland Park at 7.30am on Saturday 25 October. He was kept busy for the whole event, both by a steady supply of birds for ringing and an equally steady supply of visitors. It was good to see children showing so much interest in the netting, weighing, sexing, health-checking and finally ringing of a range of species including blackbird, goldcrest, long tailed tits, blackcaps, coal tit and a wren. The goldcrest, Britain’s smallest bird, was so tiny and delicate that one can scarcely believe the species braves migration across the North Sea. 

The comment was made that Holland Park has a particularly rich bird population. This is due to our very well managed habitats, courtesy of the RBKC Ecology Service.

Photos RBKC Ecology Service

[November 2025]

Stop Press!  Gold Awards

News has just come through that Kensington and Chelsea has done exceptionally well in this year’s London in Bloom awards. At the presentation ceremony on 27 October, it was announced that Holland Park had again won a Gold and the borough, as a whole, achieved Gold standard. Gold is for an outstanding result, with 85% or more of the possible marks, covering horticultural gardening achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation. Eight of the borough’s parks achieved Gold, with another park receiving Silver Gilt.

Lisa Wilkinson, one of three Council community kitchen gardeners who help residents grow food in their own neighbourhoods, was given the Outstanding Contribution Award for her services to community gardening in London.

This is a truly terrific result though not entirely a surprise as we are aware of the very hard work put in by all those involved. Thank you to Parks Management, the Ecology Service, the community gardeners, the Parks Police, the idverde gardeners, maintenance team and the front-line staff in the park reception office. You all played a part in achieving Gold standard and what you do is much appreciated by those who enjoy Holland Park. 

[November 2025]

We need your help to protect our wildlife

We have written in several recent issues of this magazine about helping to care for the wildlife in Holland Park by not feeding birds, animals or fish. It is not good for them, nor is it good for the park.

People often say that they are using food that is appropriate and not harmful, but that is not the real problem. The problem is that it is not wise to let wild birds and animals interact closely with humans. The danger is that peafowl, for example, get used to being fed by humans and, on several occasions, have approached a person with a dog. Even if the dog is on a lead, that dog is going to react as a dog does. Peafowl that get over confident about being on the ground can get taken by a fox. Both the peafowl and the foxes are wild. Many of our members ask about the dwindling peafowl in the park. We are glad to report that we will get new peacocks and peahens in late spring, but they will only survive if people stop feeding them.

Squirrels may be cute, but they can find plenty of food in the park and should not be fed. There have been quite a few incidents recently of squirrels biting park visitors who try to feed them. And the high numbers of squirrels encouraged by feeding, damage and kill trees.

Many London parks have signs saying Don’t Feed the Wildlife and the posters shown here will shortly be displayed in all RBKC’s parks. People who continue to disregard the posters will be fined. 

Jennie Kettlewell

[February 2025]

Wildlife and nature events 

Once again the Ecology Service will run a full programme of wildlife walks in Holland Park, sponsored by The Friends. These events are very popular, and rightly so. Some dates are listed at the back of this newsletter, but watch out for the dawn chorus, bat walk, dragonfly walk and herbal medicine dates which will be advertised on Eventbrite. The Friends will continue with the bird walks led by expert ornithologist, Bill Haines, and the tree identification walks with Dr Alan Harrington. 

[February 2025]