Portrait of a Park: review

'Portrait of a Park'

'A Year with the Wildlife of Christchurch Park' by Reg Snook Gresham Publications in Association with The Friends of Christchurch Park

As a user of Christchurch Park for more than 30 years, I was really pleased to see that this book has been published. When I've walked through the park on the way to work, or gone on my Sunday morning run, I've often paused to read Reg's wildlife jottings on the notice board next to the visitor centre. These are so entertaining and informative that the idea of gathering them together in book form can only be a good one.

Whatever the subject matter, he always strikes a chord and brings back a memory of some of the wonderful wildlife we've seen and also some that's been lost. He's not the only one to miss the Spotted Flycatchers, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and Hawfinches of yesteryear, but he does tell us about the many wildlife wonders still left to us. Mabel the Tawny Owl, of course, gets an article to herself, as do those gaudy Chinese intruders, the Mandarin Ducks.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just enjoy walking in the park, I can guarantee you'll find something to interest you in this fascinating and beautifully illustrated publication.

Richard Attenborrow