Alexandra Park: Preserving this incredible oasis for everyone
By Sarah Burns, Senior Marketing Manager
Alexandra Park is a vital green lung for North London, offering visitors an escape from busy city life. Opened in 1863, today the park welcomes around three million people each year, from daily visitors like dog walkers and commuters, to people picnicking in a tranquil spot, playing sports or just enjoying a walk and the magnificent views of London. Visitor numbers are projected to rise too, due to local development and population growth.
Alexandra Park also provides many benefits for wildlife and is home to 694 different types of plants, animals and fungi – including 212 different types of insects. These species all play a vital role in balancing the delicate ecosystem of the park. While many plants and animals found in the park are common to London, 38 species in Alexandra Park are classed as rare, including the Noctule Bat and the charismatic Stag Beetle.
The park’s 7,500 trees, some of which are over 150 years old, deliver enormous benefits to wellbeing and air quality, removing around five tonnes of pollution from the atmosphere annually. Together, they are storing around 2,100 tonnes of carbon and locking away a further 68 tonnes of carbon each year. We plan to create a long term tree and woodland management plan for the 196 acre site, which will also support wildlife and introduce more species to the park..
Mark Evison is the Park Manager at Alexandra Park and Palace. “Climate change, pollution and increased footfall are continuing to put more and more pressure on Alexandra Park. With the importance of green spaces helping us to lead healthy and happy lives, the Park really is a vital green space for humans and wildlife alike. We need to make sure Alexandra Park is well managed so it continues to provide health and wellbeing benefits now and for future generations, and maintain vital habitats for hundreds of species.”
Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and restoration of the Park and also provides a year-round programme of educational and leisure activities.
Please visit https://donr.com/allypally to support us to help ensure it continues to be an incredible oasis for both the millions of people who visit every year and the hundreds of species who call the park home.
