Warwick author releases book on the 'surprising wildlife' found in town park

An author from Warwick has released a new book based around the wildlife in one the town's parks.

Rick Thompson's latest book takes readers through the changing seasons in St Nicholas park beside the Avon, with tips on identification, facts, folklore, and some rarities.

When journalist Rick Thompson moved from a cottage overlooking Warwickshire countryside to the centre of the county town, he thought he would miss his daily walks along country lanes alive with birds and rich in wildflowers and insects.

He said: “I soon discovered that 'St Nicks' as the park is known, is a fantastic haven for wildlife.

"Walk past the playgrounds, funfair, café and sports facilities, and there is a wide range of habitats, with a copse of mature trees along the riverbank, huge mounds of brambles, reed bed and scrub beside the Kingfisher Pools, and a large area of rough ground beyond.

“I began to keep a diary of the birds, animals, plants and insects in the park, and discovered that with the changing seasons there were plenty of inspiring experiences, a fabulous range of species, and some big surprises.

“In spring the sedges by the river were full of small migrants that had braved the journey from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

"A grasshopper warbler 'reeled' its buzzing call from the thistle-rich rough ground, and whitethroats scolded the dog walkers from the brambles.

"Cetti's warblers, until recently confined to southern counties, were shouting their name from the bulrushes.

"A rare great white egret sailed above the river past the sheer walls of the castle where peregrines could sometimes be heard calling from the towers."

Rick is also keen to promote that nature helps peoples' well-being - especially during a pandemic.

He said: “I wasn't to know that my year in the park was to be followed by the coronavirus crisis, which clearly made access to urban green space an invaluable resource for people permitted only an hour of outdoor exercise each day.

"The lockdown coincided with glorious spring weather when the birds were in full song, and in the silent towns with no aircraft droning overhead we couldn't fail to notice the sounds of nature.

"Newspapers and websites were suddenly full of guides to the birds in your garden.

“The pandemic also brought into sharp focus the physical and mental health benefits of contact with nature.

"It should not need a crisis to awaken us to the natural wonders on our doorstep.

"Even in the centre of a town, wildlife flourishes all year, every year, in its ever-changing cycle.

"Contact with nature is vital for our well-being, so with the current drive to build more houses and relax planning regulations, it is essential that our parks and green spaces are protected.

"I hope planners will develop more of them. With four out of five of us living in towns and cities, as we struggle to return to something like normal life, we must not forget that a simple walk in the park has the power to lift the spirits.

"We just have to pause, look and listen”.

'Park Life - a year in the wildlife of an urban park' costs £10 and is available at Warwick visitor information centre, Warwick Books and online.

On bank holiday Monday (August 31), Rick Thompson will be signing copies of his book between 11am and 1pm in Warwick visitor information centre in the Court House in Jury Street.