Friends of Markeaton Park have had a fruitful time for 2011.

Policeman's Helmets or Indian Balsam

On Sunday July 3rd members and other volunteers cleared an invasive pest from the banks of Daisybank Brook. Himalayan balsam grows in dense stands that suppress the growth of native grasses and other flora. In the autumn, the plants die back, leaving the bare banks vulnerable to erosion, and leaving the animals without food and shelter. Read more and see photos on the wildlife page under the map of the waterways wildlife sites.

We cleared the Balsam from both banks before the flowers had set seed, and we were rewarded with the sight of Water Forget me not, Gipsywort, Brooklime, Water figwort, Duckweed, Wild raspberries and of course nettles, grasses, Buttercups and Hogweed. All these plants will provide as food for our birds during the winter.

Trees

In July we held our public meeting in the park, at 7pm on Tuesday 12th to consider the trees and follow the Tree Trail. If you have a story to tell of any tree in Markeaton Park please come and share your memories with us.

We admired the rockery revamped by Friends of Markeaton Park.

The rockery looked marvellous, our efforts were repaid by the beautiful display of spring flowers. At the correct gardening times we are planting more for later in the summer and autumn.

We had  an Easter Fair and a plant sale and a History Walk around Markeaton Park led by the author and historian Don Farnsworth

Families have enjoyed the activities available on the 3rd Sunday each month; the children who made kites or bird food were very happy, see this photo below.

We enjoyed talks about Markeaton Brook and the inside of Markeaton Hall at our indoor meetings.

School brought children to learn about Markeaton Park. Dawn, Angela and Nici went to the prize giving held at the University of Derby. The work the children had done was displayed.

see more photos on our events page.