The Royal Parks podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

During the Second World War, Bushy Park was home to a sprawling military base. This is where General Dwight D. Eisenhower came to work on a top-secret plan called ‘Operation Overlord’.  

On 6 June 1944, after months of preparation, the plan was ready – 156,000 Allied troops invaded Normandy, some landing on the beaches and others arriving by air. Now known as D-Day, this event ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.  

And so much of it was planned right here in the park. Listen on to learn more about this amazing piece of history. 

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode, join our own Charlie Linton as he takes a walk in London’s Hyde Park with one of the UK’s most prominent young birdwatchers, Dr Mya-Rose Craig. Charlie and Mya-Rose visit some of the wetland and woodland habitats of the park to discover many of the wonderful birds that live and forage in the Royal Parks, and chat about all things bird and nature related.

You can follow along the same route using our handy map with photos of the birds we spot. The route sticks to paths so is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users. The entire route is approximately 1.3 miles (2.1km).

The activities of The Royal Parks’ Help Nature Thrive project, including this podcast, have been made possible thanks to the support of the wonderful players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Dr Mya-Rose Craig can be found at https://www.birdgirluk.com/

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode, recorded as part of Women’s History Month, our Interpretation Manager Lucy Kellett explores the stories of some of the great women associated with The Royal Parks. 

To do this she is joined by Claire Harris, Brompton Cemetery’s Partnership & Community Outreach Officer. Claire’s work involves researching and communicating the unique stories of Brompton’s residents, among whom are Emmaline Pankhurst – founder of the Women's Social and Political Union, otherwise known as the Suffragettes. Starting with Emmaline, Claire and Lucy tell the tale of how voting rights for women were achieved as well as the stories of other extraordinary women who pushed the boundaries in their own fields, fighting for equality.  

About The Royal Parks: 

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. 

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. 

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk 

Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)

Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this month’s episode we interview David Iverson, historical researcher for The Royal Parks Guild. David tells us about the practical uses The Royal Parks had during both world wars, paying particular attention to WW1. He shares how the government drained the lake in St James’s Park to make way for the temporary building of the Ministry of Shipping and how much of the parks were taken over for allotments to combat food shortages. We discuss how the wars shaped our parks today and the touching stories of parks' staff who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode, Bryony Cross, Volunteering and Programmes Manager for The Royal Parks takes us on a long journey through the night to learn about the urban hedgehog. One of many weird and wonderful mammals in the Royal Parks, we are home to the only breeding population found in central London.

We learn about their history in the Royal Parks, talk about uncovering little hoglets, and uncover the role we can play in ensuring their survival for generations to come. Join us as we learn more about this prickly business.

Learn more about getting involved in our citizen science project and other volunteering opportunities: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us

About The Royal Parks: 

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. 

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. 

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk 

Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Lucy Kellett, Interpretation Manager for The Royal Parks, interviews Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager for St James's Park, to learn about the national events and celebrations hosted in the Royal Parks. They explore the pomp and circumstance that is Trooping the Colour, as well as other memorable moments in the city's history. 

Learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the making of these incredible events possible in London.

About The Royal Parks: 

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. 

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. 

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk 

Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode join Anna Barry and Scott Smith live from St James's Park as they bring you all the highlights of the big day. They speak with those coming to the park to view the action, describe the Coronation Procession and chat with The Household Cavalry Museum and Commanding Officer of The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode, a Dawn Chorus special, we interview fellow Learning Officer Alison Dent, as well as Conservation Officer Tony Duckett, to learn about this most recognisable sign of spring, the early morning bird song.

We talk about why birds sing in the morning, migration and nesting, and how to recognise a few bird species that live in London with a bird song quiz! 

About The Royal Parks: 

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. 

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. 

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk 

Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode, Laura McMahon, Learning Officer, interviews Hugh Smith, one of The Royal Parks Wildlife Officers. Hugh looks after and feeds our resident pelicans in St James's Park, while also looking after all our other wildlife.

Hugh talks about what it's like to look after six Great White Pelicans, the stories of how they arrived into the park and about the mischievous Gargi who flew away on a holiday only a few weeks ago.

We talk about the history of St James's Park and tell you about some secrets that you may not know about, including a story about a governor of Duck Island and his connection with Champagne.

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks

About The Royal Parks: 

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. 

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. 

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk 

Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

A sneak peak into the Hidden Stories of The Royal Parks. A podcast series where we meet the amazing people who work for the 8 Royal Parks of London and get a behind the scene look into what makes these famous green spaces so unique!

My name is Laura and I am the Community Learning Officer for The Royal Parks. I feel so lucky to get to work in Hyde Park every day and to teach people about the amazing nature and heritage of The Royal Parks. In my time working these iconic green spaces, I have learned so many fantastic stories from the amazing people who work here. 

From the Royal observatory of Greenwich Park to the roaming deer of Richmond, together we’ll explore  5,000 acres of  historical parkland right in the middle of London. We will meet some of the incredible experts who work here and uncover the fascinating stories of these world renowned parks. 

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London.

The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.

For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk

Follow The Royal Parks on X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks