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]

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]