Category wildlife
Protecting the flowerbeds in Russell Square
New ‘knee rails’ are being installed in Russell Square at present, around three of the flowerbeds. The others will follow when Camden funding allows. This will delinate the beds more visually and physicallyfor pedestrians and dog owners, and hopefully prevent incursions causing damage to the planting. After the installation of the knee rails is completed […]
Leaf Blowing and Wildlife
The enormous number of leaves which fall in the squares, especially in autumn, have to be dealt with and the usual way is by using leafblowers. Noisy, yes; causing a dust, yes; but economical on scarce manpower and important for exposing the grass, in particular, to as much light as possible in the winter. But […]
No Mow May in Bloomsbury garden squares
The University of London is taking part in No Mow May across their managed gardens in Bloomsbury. This means their grass will be spared the cut for the whole month. No Mow May is a national campaign by Plantlife. The benefits are: Providing more nectar for ten times the amount of bees, butterflies, moths and […]
Beelines in Bloomsbury
Not only did this nature note appear in The Times last week, it was also read out on the Today programme on Radio 4. Fame for nature in the area of Bloomsbury’s garden squares! Marchmont Community Garden, a tiny green space among buildings, has some of the yummy-for-bees plants mentioned. The garden Friends groups in […]
Plant life and wildlife
Spring is sprung and visiting Marchmont Community Garden. It’s closed just now, as space is limited, but it is hoped it will soon be able to open. Meanwhile, enjoy the bee visiting a ‘Quebec’ tulip (yes, they are tulips, even if passers-by find it hard to believe!) and a pair of wood pigeons sunning themselves.
Wild Bloomsbury?
Your friendly neighbourhood fox was spotted (at a distance) in Bedford Square Gardens the other day. It appeared to be basking in the rare sunshine and was surprisingly disinterested in the crow in the foreground. The new path in Marchmont Community Garden was covered with fox prints the other day too. Keep a look out, […]
Garden news
Friends of the Bloomsbury squares have been active in recent weeks, now restrictions have eased. Marchmont Community Garden, which has been closed to the public during the lockdown, has been hosting regular get-togethers of shielding older people who have been able to meet their friends for the first time in months, thanks to the foresight […]
Insect hotels for Russell Square gardens
Russell Square gardens will soon acquire two beautiful ‘bug hotels’, which will be installed on 26th March by a group of Volunteers. The Russell Square Insect Hotels were the idea of a new Volunteer Gardening Group for the Square. They have been sponsored by two adjacent hotels (Imperial London Hotels and Kimpton Fitzroy Hotels). New […]
Have you seen a hedgehog?
Have you seen a hedgehog? London Wildlife Trust would love to hear about your sightings as part of the Urban Urchins project. Hedgehogs are declining nationally, but there are still many areas of London where they can be found. Urban Urchins aims to map London’s hedgehogs, while working to enhance public green spaces and gardens to […]
Bloomsbury Squares Bird Walk for Big Garden Bird Watch, 29 January, 12-1 pm
Join us as we walk around Russell Square and Tavistock Square, bird spotting. We will meet at the main entrance to Russell Square gardens (near the café) on Monday 29 January, at 12 noon. Lucas Von Chamier (UCL Conservation group) will be guiding the group and letting us know what to look out for. After […]
Bloomsbury Squares & Gardens 