January 2016
WINNER 2015/16
This winter has seen some of the heaviest rainfall for 100 years across the UK, luckily for us not in
Hertfordshire. However, the unseasonably warm weather has some interesting effects on the plants in the
park- snowdrops, daffodils and crocus all starting to bud by late December and now the naturalised crocus
and snow drops are in flower. With our changing climate and weather patterns we will be sure to see some
other unusual effects on all of the wildlife in the park.
Howard Park and Garden ecological survey results
This summer two ecological surveys were carried out in the park, a Bat Activity Survey and an Amphibian
and Reptile Survey. The results of which are: we have common pipistrelle bats utilising the park as a
commuting route and for foraging. We also have a very low population of amphibians, only one frog and
toad were recorded during 8 weeks of surveys. We will carry out these surveys on an annual basis. If
anyone is interested in helping out or learning some basic wildlife survey techniques please contact the
Park Ranger, or see the notice board for further information.
Work Party Activities
The regular monthly work parties have been busy- we have tackled a range of conservation projects, from
creating a leaf mulching area to clearing the brook of litter. Our aim is to ensure that the parks wilder areas
are managed in a sensitive way to ensure that wildlife thrives and that park users and the local community
enjoy visiting our park. The next work party will be on Sunday the 14th February, if you are interested in
helping out- please contact the Park Ranger or just turn up on the day. (these activities are weather
dependant- - The Friends of Howard Park and Garden Facebook page will have up-to-date information).
Events and Festivals at the park
After another very successful year in 2015 the Friends of Howard Park and Garden, working alongside
NHDC and Groundwork East are pleased to announce a variety of free activities and events taking place
throughout 2016.
• January 30th- Coppicing and dead hedge event- aimed at 12years and over we will be learning about
coppicing trees and how to create a dead hedge habitat for wildlife- OPEN TO ALL
• February- Groundwork and Park Ranger working with Funzone on a bird conservation/education
project
• March 5th from 7.30pm- The first Howard Park Quiz- hosted by the Friends of Howard Park and
Garden- booking essential
• March- Date TBC- Community Insect Hotel Project- GW along with the Park Ranger will be creating
a large insect hotel- open to all
• May 1st- Traditional May Day Festival, including may pole dancing, Morris dancing, art and craft
activities, local interest group information and much more
• June- Letchworth Festival- Howard Park will hold a large summer event, date TBC- a range of free
activities that will suit all the family from 1 to100 years old.
• June (evening from sunse)t- A Bat Walk through the park- date TBC- this bat walk will be run by the
park ranger over two evenings- booking essential as limited spaces
Please check the notice boards in the park for further details of all events- and we look forward to seeing
you in the park