Chair's update: May

Tom Walker, Chair

Abney Park's historic chapel stands proud and tall against the sunrise sky as birdwatchers gathered for this year's first Dawn Chorus.

May is the month in which Abney explodes. It goes from small buds to lush three-foot high undergrowth and a full canopy in just a couple of weeks. Insect life takes off and Abney becomes that city heat sink which sustains the urban tranquility all summer.

Readers might be interested in the private guided tours we can offer to groups who want to explore Abney with an expert view and detailed knowledge. Information is here and warm summer evenings are a perfect time to enjoy this opportunity. Get in touch if you are interested.

Our main focus this month is our community open day on Saturday 21st May. Abney will turn 182 years old on 20th May, so it's perfect timing. We celebrated 180 years during the first lockdown. We did a couple of online talks and had people dialling in from Europe, America and across the UK. Now, we can meet in person – so come along on 21st May if you can for stalls, activities for children, walking tours and more. We like meeting the community. It will be wonderful to see as many people as possible.

As well as our ongoing events and activities, we are working closely with Hackney Council officers on the park’s future as the restoration work progresses. We are starting to prepare for the long term activity plan which accompanies the physical improvements.

Volunteering opportunities continue across a range of activities. I always try to join the litter pick on the second Saturday of the month.

Thank you for your ongoing support.