Thursday 11/05/2023 Teddington – Bushy Park
London, ENGLAND
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
It was our first day in London after arriving on a long-haul flight from Sydney the previous night. We were keen to get out for some fresh air and a bit of sunlight to assist with readjusting our body clocks.
Max elevation: 157 m
Total climbing: 176 m
Total descent: -168 m
Average speed: 4.84 km/h
Total time: 05:56:06
We headed off from our accommodation in Teddington keen to check out the nearby parkrun course in Bushy Park. This is a pilgrimage for most parkrun enthusiasts being the first in the world which started in 2004 and now is a worldwide phenomenon.
I had organised our accommodation in Teddington to be close to the parkrun. This worked out really well as it was a simple bus ride from Heathrow Airport. It was a sunny morning and a pleasant temperature as we headed along tree-lined streets to Bushy Park.
Sue checking out deer
The park was larger and much more scenic than I had imagined. The avenues of tall trees were really impressive. On entering the park we walked along Chestnut Avenue named for the long row of Horse Chestnut trees. Other species include oak, hawthorn, lime, silver maple and black poplar. There were herds of deer resting in the shame quite unperturbed by our presence. Lovely ponds featured a range of bird life amongst the lush greenery. It really was a lovely place to wander and absorb some nature. We would return on Saturday morning to enjoy a very special parkrun adventure.
This is the parkrun course as completed by Stephen on Saturday.
Max elevation: 17 m
Total climbing: 85 m
Total descent: -83 m
Average speed: 11.41 km/h
Total time: 00:26:26
The local flora, fauna, geology and history (Bard)
Flora:
Bushy Park showcases a diverse assemblage of indigenous flora that contributes to its ecological vibrancy. Characterized by its lush woodlands and grassy expanses, the park hosts a plethora of tree species including oak, chestnut, and lime, their canopies forming intricate tapestries of shade and light. Daffodils and bluebells blanket the understorey in spring, casting ephemeral hues across the landscape and invoking seasonal transformations.
Fauna:
The fauna of Bushy Park exemplifies a harmonious coexistence between urbanity and nature. The resounding calls of parakeets intermingle with the rhythmic rustle of deer traversing the grassy clearings. Waterfowl gracefully navigate the park’s ponds, while songbirds enliven the air with their melodies. The park’s biodiversity, manifested in its avian, mammalian, and aquatic inhabitants, resonates with the complex dynamic of a metropolitan oasis.
Geology:
The geological profile of Bushy Park is marked by the glacial imprint of the past. Its undulating terrain is a relic of retreating ice sheets, which sculpted the landscape into its present form. Sandy deposits and gravelly outcrops harken back to the ebb and flow of ancient rivers, imparting a geophysical narrative that underscores the enduring interplay of time and land.
History:
With origins dating back to the Tudor era, the park was designated as a royal hunting ground, attesting to its historical and societal significance. This legacy intertwines with broader British cultural narratives and exemplifies the park’s integral role within the social fabric of the region.
The white history of Bushy Park reverberates with echoes of royalty and heritage. Its transformation from a medieval deer park to a locus of recreational activity underscores the evolution of societal norms and recreational pursuits. The construction of the elegant Diana Fountain and the grandiose Chestnut Avenue exemplify the deliberate shaping of the park’s landscape by successive generations.
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