The wind and rain battered us and the rest of England for the whole of yesterday, so not surprisingly the park had changed a lot from Friday. The balancing pond has totally filled up as seen in the portrait photo compared to how it normally looks - bottom right (picture thanks to Mary Burstow). The channels and ditches throughout the park were full of water making some areas completely un-accessible unless you were a determined soul and had some wellies on. However the bad conditions did see a rise in wildlife, myself seeing three new birds I hadn't seen in the park before. Although every inch of ground was wet and muddy and many resulted to 

So normally a squirrel will sleep at night in a Drey as shown left. It would be built out of twigs and leaves with possibly some lichen for bedding. Every year they will built a new nest and they may move on early if insects take over. So when I saw the picture below just as the sun set I was slightly surprised, I did not expect the squirrel to go to sleep on a bare branch as by this time in autumn its Drey should be built. I can only think that the high winds and heavy rains have destroyed its Drey and I hope it had a good nights sleep after I came snapping away. 

♪ If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise ♫
Amazing, Spectacular, wonderful, just a few of the words I've heard people describing the colours of autumn. In the park there are many different colours from red to golden. It well worth going for a walk with the family and enjoy the park whilst it still isn't too cold. The children will love playing in the leaves and nature lovers can see many an animal. Do come down and if you come on a Sunday then make sure to visit the Nonsuch Gallery where the model is situated. £2.50 entry, members and under 16's go free

There was something different. Something I hadn't noticed before... And then it struck me, of course there were no bushes or high grasses anymore next to where I walk. It would seem that the park has had a cut back, I was also glad to see that the grass had just been left there as it will decompose and help provide important minerals and nutrients to the soil.

We've all seen the unsightly spray paint on a wall, however to do it to a tree is even worse, to graffiti a living organism. I hope the council will get onto clearing this mess up, fortunately this time only a smiley face was drawn but if it isn't dealt with quickly more may appear.

Yes we are once again opening our doors today for you and friends to come along and see the Nonsuch model. I you've been before come again and bring friends or neighbours. Our friendly stewards will be on hand to talk you through the history of the palace and the model itself. We open from 11am - 2pm and it's only £2.50 for adults to get in. 

Yep it's that time of year again, the dark mornings and evenings and all we want to do is stay in bed. Well for many creatures in the park that is the reality , few will hibernate but hunting in the days will get shorter and there will start to be a lack of food. You can easily see large squirrel dreys especially the one near the mansion house where food is stored for winter and many birds and animals will spend more time asleep. This is why the preparations and gathering of food this autumn is so important.

So whilst out bird watching this afternoon in the park it was clear to see as the sun set many a bird flew overhead into the depths of the park to roost. One of the most familiar cries and outlines was the ring necked parakeet. They have become such a common bird recently and there exotic routes brings colour to the trees. I wish we could know roughly the amount that roost in the park as not just some but loads of small groups flew over whilst I was with my camera, suggesting there is a large amount. To see these birds, the best spot is walking up from the mansion house to the London road. Once you have reached the chopped down tree - now in large sections - it is just off to the right (best seen at dawn or late afternoon).

For another photo of a portrait of a parakeet then please click read more.