The Royal Parks podcast

May 20 2024 15 ep. 28 mins 75
The Royal Parks podcast artwork

A podcast exploring the rich variety of stories around London's Royal Parks, including nature and wildlife, history and wellbeing, featuring Royal Parks staff and expert guests.

  Society & Culture  Science  History
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Operation Bushy Park: Plotting D-Day in a Royal Park

May 20 2024 39 mins  
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

A walk in the parks - birding in Hyde Park

Sep 18 2023 34 mins  
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 ca

"Coronation Cast" Episode 3: The Big Day

May 08 2023 33 mins  
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 show Support the show: https://www.roya

"Coronation Cast" Episode 2: Getting Ready

May 01 2023 29 mins  
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 show Suppo

"Coronation Cast" Episode 1: Looking Back

Apr 24 2023 26 mins  
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 show Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal p

"Coronation Cast" Trailer

Apr 14 2023 1 mins  
Join Anna Barry and Scott Smith as they explore the history and tradition of coronations in the parks – past and present. Support the show Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support 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 visito

Episode 16: National Tree Week

Dec 03 2021 35 mins  
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 mo

Episode 15: Parties in the Park

Aug 03 2021 21 mins  
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 k

Episode 12: Women In The Parks

Apr 08 2021 42 mins  
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

Episode 8: Parks at War

Nov 25 2020 33 mins  
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 w