Biodiversity: The next summer heatwave is building quickly, with heat-health alerts in place across England, so I started early because the forecast was to hit 30C by 11 am today.
The pond at Trent Park has low water levels, and the grass at Hilly Fields and across the open parts of Trent Park is straw-coloured and dry. Bird density appears higher in Trent Park than at Hilly Fields, where we recorded only one robin. Bird density is likely higher because water sources have dried up near Hilly Fields, while the main Trent Park pond still has some visible water.
This hot air favours birds of prey, as they still have to hunt daily, and the extreme heat produces rising air that birds like buzzards can soar on. Late morning to mid-afternoon is best for them, which is the opposite of songbirds.
Litter and Safety: In May, I counted 87 used wet wipes around Hilly Fields. Today I counted 52 wet wipes overflowing bins, takeaway chicken bones, bottles and cans in Hilly Fields Park and 6 nitrous oxide containers. Trent Park was much tidier, with no litter in sight.
Navigation: Signage adequate.
