... and the maintenance thereof.

Those who have been used to a traditional, manicured appearance to the park may have been surprised this summer by the more varied maintenance regime adopted by the Town Council. Some areas have been allowed to grow out in order to allow for greater biodiversity. At the same time, the greater part of the park has continued to be maintained in traditional style - photos below.

No doubt the council has received a variety of feedback from local people on the appearance of the park. If you would like to add your opinion, why not send a short email to the Town Council at reception@crediton.gov.uk?

For me, one of the pleasures of living near the park is the sound of tawny owls, sometimes hooting, other times screeching. They prefer to nest in tree cavities (thanks Town Council for looking after the mature trees in the park.)  They feed on small mammals such as voles, which the uncut areas of grass will help to harbour. Tawnies are highly territorial, with pairs probably maintaining the same territory for life. So their territory needs looking after. Apparently there are around 50,000 pairs of tawnies in the country, which doesn't sound like many.

Those same uncut areas of the park have also been awash with a succession of wildflowers attracting much insect life, though short-lived in this summer's drought.

It all looks good to me, with something to offer all preferences and park users.

Thanks for bearing with this ramble!

 John Craythorne