NEWS FROM THE PARK SEPTEMBER 2010

Visitors to the park will have seen the wonderful Heritage Sign recently installed by Land Services! The larger section will have a plan of the park together with information on the features of the park and what wildlife to look out for during the year.

The Friends of Maxwell Park are delighted to have their section as this will enable us to keep you up-to-date with our activities.

We are appreciative that Land and Environmental Services felt this magnificent sign was justified for our Park when the budget cuts are so severe.

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR...........Sadly we think that the smallest of the cygnets has disappeared for good. The rangers aren't sure if Mr Fox - Vulpes vulpes is responsible or an enthusiastic dog. Four-oh as he was known, was not a very strong little bird and appeared to be somewhat ignored by the rest of the clan. Nature has taken its course as it was doubtful whether he would have survived on his own.

There have been recent sightings of the terrapins in the pond. We think they may be responsible for eating duck eggs in the spring please report if you spot them as they should be rehoused.

Two of the larger fish have been relocated to Queens Park where they have been placed in an enclosed pond so please no more fishing attempts as last year one of the swans had to have a line removed from it's throat. Thank you Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre! They also would ask that only grain and brown bread be fed to the wildlife as white bread and rice are not nutritious and results in the swans suffering from malnutrition. Again our thanks to Hessilhead who took our pair away over the winter for a bit of rehabilitation and concentrated feeding.

The Friends have recently been awarded funding from Pollokshields Area Committee to restore the George Forrest bed. You will be aware that plants in this bed have either been stolen or damaged by dogs and plans are underway to replant and fence the bed.

This notable Scottish plant collector and explorer made seven major expeditions to China between the years of 1902 and 1932 with the support of a wealthy syndicate of gardening enthusiasts including Sir John Stirling Maxwell of Pollok. Easily the most significant and popular of George Forrest’s planting introductions was his collection of rhododendron species revolutionising the world of rhododendron breeding.

A grant of £5,500 has been awarded to the Friends of Maxwell Park. We are grateful to the Area Committee for this generous amount which includes a transfer of a previous award for signage as this requirement has been covered by LES.

We shall miss Gus Morrison who will be leaving the Park in November. He has worked so hard to keep the Park looking good over the years and we wish him well. Thank you from us all Gus, for all that you have achieved and for your kindness and good nature - we will miss you!

The Ready Steady Grow Event in June was a great success and we enjoyed the various stalls and organisations that helped to make the day entertaining and we hope enjoyable for all. Our thanks go to all the bakers and helpers who gave of their time.