6. Oak Quercus robur. Beyond the Veteran Oak is a huge multi‐stemmed Oak which marks part of the original boundary of the Park. Holes in the trunk suggest Woodpeckers may have been nesting here. Starlings have been seen nesting . To the left of this tree is a large dead tree. ‘Standing dead wood’ becomes a larder for birds with insects, beetles and fungi living in the various nooks and crannies. (See plaque at 5.) 8. Swamp Cypress, Taxodium distichum From the same family as Redwoods and originating from north America. This tree generally grows in very wet places, producing special breathing roots. The bark is quite red and feels spongy. The first specimens were planted in the UK in 1640.
7. Caucasian wingnut, Pterocarya fraxinifolia Deciduous tree of the Walnut family, can reach nearly 100 feet. This species is originally from northern Iran. The tree produces spectacularly long catkins in summer on which grow the small winged fruit known as wingnuts. The leaves turn a beautiful yellow in Autumn.
9. Crocuses On the triangle grass area there is a colourful display of Crocuses in early Spring. The leaves are left once the flowers have wilted in order for the bulbs to recharge their energy stocks for next years display. 12. Daffodil Spiral
Planatus x hispanica
Just outside the café is a spiral of Narcissus ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’, planted by local children.
The London Plane tree absorbs pollutants and then sheds the bark in scales making it very tolerant of urban environments. Fruit is made up of balls of hairy seeds. 13. Monolith tree Just beyond the Grove Café on the right is a standing dead Cedar Tree, it makes quite a sculpture!
Nature Trail Take a short walk around the Grove to see the wildlife and landscape features. This area of Alexandra Park was purchased from the Grove estate in 1863, the same year that the park opened to the public. This site was once home to a miniature Japanese Village originally exhibited at the Vienna Exhibition in 1873. It unfortunately burnt down in 1897 and was replaced by tennis courts. The tennis courts have also disappeared but this leaflet describes many of the existing features that can be seen today.
10. Chestnut Grove Walking towards the Café, you pass through a grove which has Red and Turkey Oaks growing amongst the Chestnut Trees. Originally from Greece, Horse Chestnuts have been planted in the UK since 1616.
11. London Plane Tree,
The Grove, Alexandra Park
Start at the information centre and follow the markers from 1‐15. Walk straight ahead to find number 1. 1. The Spinney This area is planted with native trees including oak, hornbeam & holly. In the Spring there is a colourful display of snowdrops, scillas, aconites and daffodils, followed by bluebells, cow parsley and comfrey. 2. Holm Oak This Mediterranean oak is evergreen and displays golden catkins in early summer as last year’s leaves drop.
3. Lime Avenue Take the path through the Lime Avenue, planted by Dr. Johnson. The Grove was a favourite place of Dr. Samuel Johnson who compiled the first English dictionary. Nuthatches can be seen amongst these trees.
4. Pinetum As you walk up Lime Avenue the Pinetum is to your right. Britain’s smallest bird the Goldcrest, can be seen within the Yew Trees and are known to nest here.
14. Rhododendrons These are beautiful when flowering in April and May.
5. Veteran Oak On your left as you walk up the Lime Avenue, there is a mighty Oak. An explanatory plaque by the fence gives details about this majestic tree. In Spring, the sound of Woodpeckers can be heard drumming in this area.
START
Why not pop in to the Grove Café for a bite to eat and drink whilst being serenaded by Ciro!
HERE
Opening Hours: 10am‐6pm Tuesday‐ Sunday
Park Information Centre
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Grove Car Park
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Chestnut tree in flower, Bl
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Crocus bed in spring
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Greater-spotted woodpecker
BIRD LIFE The following birds have been spotted in the Grove: Resident Birds: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long‐tailed Tit, Godcrest, Nuthatch, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Great‐spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Starling, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch Visitors: Chiffchaff, Blackcap, House Martin, Swift. Passage: Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest, Lesser‐spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper
Goldcrest, Regulus regulus. Britains smallest bird