The Royal Parks podcast

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 th...

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 s...

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...

In this episode we explore what it takes to prepare the Royal Parks for events like the Coronation. We hear how it feels to have the eyes of the world on your work and learn how we make the parks look their best all year round. We also take you on a virtual walk down the grand processional route that is The Mall - pointing out items of interest along the way. Support the show Support the show: htt...

This time we're looking back at previous Coronations, exploring how the parks have been involved in these over the centuries – and we also chat to someone who attended the last Coronation in 1953. 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 alwa...

Join Anna Barry and Scott Smith as they explore the history and tradition of coronations in the parks – past and present. 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...

In this episode, recorded for National Tree Week, Community Learning Officer Laura Ashfield talks to tree expert and arboriculturist Greg Packman whose knowledge of and passion for trees is unmatched. Together they chat about his favourite trees in the park, finding out what makes them special and also uncover some of the traditional myths and folklore that surrounds some of our most beloved tree...

In this summer special, Learning Manager and music fan Richard Pering takes a look at the amazing concerts which have taken place in Hyde Park over the years. From Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones in the 1960's, all the way up to the last British Summer Time in 2019, before the 2020 and 2021 gigs were cancelled due to the pandemic. Joining him on his musical quest is someone who knows more t...

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 a...

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 a...

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 r...

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 m...

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 R...

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 fle...

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 amazi...