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 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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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

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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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

Join Anna Barry and Scott Smith as they explore the history and tradition of coronations in the parks – past and present.Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 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 species. 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 social media:Twitter @TheRoyalParksFacebook @TheRoyalParksLondon Instagram @TheRoyalParksSupport the show:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 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 than a little about how to host the world's biggest bands, Jess Chambers, Events Communications Manager for The Royal Parks. Jess takes us behind the scenes look at these events, the history of how they came to be held here, and what it takes to make them happen, as well as why she can sometimes be found back stage, other times walking through the streets around the park to see what she can hear...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 social media:Twitter @TheRoyalParksFacebook @TheRoyalParksLondon Instagram @TheRoyalParksSupport the show:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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 showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout 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