The Royal Parks podcast

The Royal Parks

A podcast exploring the rich variety of stories around London's Royal Parks, including nature and wildlife, history and wellbeing, featuring Royal Parks staff and expert guests.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

A walk in the parks - birding in Hyde Park
Sep 18 2023
A walk in the parks - birding in Hyde Park
In this episode, join our own Charlie Linton as he takes a walk in London’s Hyde Park with one of the UK’s most prominent young birdwatchers, Dr Mya-Rose Craig. Charlie and Mya-Rose visit some of the wetland and woodland habitats of the park to discover many of the wonderful birds that live and forage in the Royal Parks, and chat about all things bird and nature related.You can follow along the same route using our handy map with photos of the birds we spot. The route sticks to paths so is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users. The entire route is approximately 1.3 miles (2.1km).The activities of The Royal Parks’ Help Nature Thrive project, including this podcast, have been made possible thanks to the support of the wonderful players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Dr Mya-Rose Craig can be found at https://www.birdgirluk.com/Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 16: National Tree Week
Dec 3 2021
Episode 16: National Tree Week
In this episode, recorded for National Tree Week, Community Learning Officer Laura Ashfield talks to tree expert and arboriculturist Greg Packman whose knowledge of and passion for trees is unmatched. Together they chat about his favourite trees in the park, finding out what makes them special and also uncover some of the traditional myths and folklore that surrounds some of our most beloved tree species. About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.  For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on social media:Twitter @TheRoyalParksFacebook @TheRoyalParksLondon Instagram @TheRoyalParksSupport the show:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 15: Parties in the Park
Aug 3 2021
Episode 15: Parties in the Park
In this summer special, Learning Manager and music fan Richard Pering takes a look at the amazing concerts which have taken place in Hyde Park over the years. From Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones in the 1960's, all the way up to the last British Summer Time in 2019, before the 2020 and 2021 gigs were cancelled due to the pandemic.Joining him on his musical quest is someone who knows more than a little about how to host the world's biggest bands, Jess Chambers, Events Communications Manager for The Royal Parks. Jess takes us behind the scenes look at these events, the history of how they came to be held here, and what it takes to make them happen, as well as why she can sometimes be found back stage, other times walking through the streets around the park to see what she can hear...About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.  For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on social media:Twitter @TheRoyalParksFacebook @TheRoyalParksLondon Instagram @TheRoyalParksSupport the show:https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 14: Helping Nature Thrive
Jul 6 2021
Episode 14: Helping Nature Thrive
In this episode, host Kristen Mueller delves into the many ways that we can help nature in the parks thrive. To help her she’s joined by our Biodiversity Manager Peter Lawrence and Volunteer Officer Jo Hayward.Peter is the person whose wide ranging job it is to promote the flourishing of plants and wildlife in all eight Royal Parks. Here he talks about habitat creation, wildlife conservation and how the parks can thrive as both havens for wildlife and for human recreation. Jo, as her job title suggests, helps coordinate our brilliant Volunteer Rangers who carry out a vital role in the parks, keeping visitors informed about the parks and their wildlife. Jo tells us all about the deer in Richmond & Bushy parks and how best to enjoy them – by giving them space. About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens.  For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on social media:Twitter @TheRoyalParksFacebook @TheRoyalParksLondon Instagram @TheRoyalParksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 13: National Gardening Week with Grow2Know
Apr 26 2021
Episode 13: National Gardening Week with Grow2Know
In this episode, recorded for National Gardening Week, host Laura McMahon talks to Tayshan Hayden-Smith and Danny Clarke of charity Grow2Know. Tayshan, a lifelong resident of the community around Grenfell Tower, founded the charity in 2017 to bring residents together through the power of collective action, creating green spaces in the community designed to uplift and unify. Danny Clarke, AKA The Black Gardener, is a garden designer and TV presenter as well as being a Director of Grow2Know. Together they discuss the importance of horticulture to physical and mental health, the difficulties faced by people of diverse backgrounds in a mainly white and often affluent-seeming industry, how to make it appeal to all and how they’re building an RHS Chelsea garden in honour of the Mangrove 9.About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 12: Women In The Parks
Apr 8 2021
Episode 12: Women In The Parks
In this episode, recorded as part of Women’s History Month, our Interpretation Manager Lucy Kellett explores the stories of some of the great women associated with The Royal Parks. To do this she is joined by Claire Harris, Brompton Cemetery’s Partnership & Community Outreach Officer. Claire’s work involves researching and communicating the unique stories of Brompton’s residents, among whom are Emmaline Pankhurst – founder of the Women's Social and Political Union, otherwise known as the Suffragettes. Starting with Emmaline, Claire and Lucy tell the tale of how voting rights for women were achieved as well as the stories of other extraordinary women who pushed the boundaries in their own fields, fighting for equality.  About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 11: The Secret Underworld of Ponds
Feb 17 2021
Episode 11: The Secret Underworld of Ponds
Did you know that there are many lakes and ponds across the Royal Parks, with over 30 in Richmond Park alone? In this month’s episode, we take a closer look at these underworlds and the unique creatures that live within them. We talk with ecology experts from The Royal Parks and the conservation charity, Froglife, to understand more about the importance of ponds, how we look after them, what things you can spot this time of year and how you can make your own pond at home.About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 10: Wellbeing in Nature
Jan 28 2021
Episode 10: Wellbeing in Nature
Episode 10: Wellbeing in Nature In this episode, our interpretation manager Lucy Kellett looks at the importance of nature for our wellbeing. A timely episode, as we enter what is normally the  bleakest month of year in another lockdown in the UK. She explores stories of the past including how kings and queens, such as Charles ll of England, used their parklands and gardens for their wellbeing up to 400 years ago, even giving rise to the naming of Constitution Hill in Green Park. So much of this incredible history helped shape the Royal Parks today. She interviews Community Learning Officer, Laura McMahon who tells us about how she uses nature to improve the wellbeing of participants in her projects and shares personal insight around how to get the most of our your daily walks.About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 9: Holly Holidays in Richmond Park
Dec 18 2020
Episode 9: Holly Holidays in Richmond Park
In this month's festive episode, we explore the history of the Victorian Christmas. Anna King, the Centre Manager for the Holly Lodge Centre in Richmond Park, shares how they travel back in time to allow people to experience those traditions firsthand through their Victorian Christmas sessions. She also tells us more about their inspiring education programme, which focuses on connecting children and adults with special needs to the nature and history of Richmond Park.Stay tuned at the end for Anna's top tips on where to visit in Richmond Park over the festive period. About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 6: Running Green
Sep 25 2020
Episode 6: Running Green
This week, we're going behind the scenes of the Royal Parks Half Marathon, the flagship fundraising event for the Royal Parks charity. Founded in 2008, this incredible run goes through four of the eight Royal Parks and takes in some of the most extraordinary sights London has to offer. We explore the race's role in shaping sustainability in the UK and talk with project-lead, Persephone Deacon-Cole, about the future of the event. To learn more about the Royal Parks Half Marathon, presented by Royal Bank of Canada visit royalparkshalf.com.About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 5: Prickly Business - The Urban Hedgehog
Aug 19 2020
Episode 5: Prickly Business - The Urban Hedgehog
In this episode, Bryony Cross, Volunteering and Programmes Manager for The Royal Parks takes us on a long journey through the night to learn about the urban hedgehog. One of many weird and wonderful mammals in the Royal Parks, we are home to the only breeding population found in central London. We learn about their history in the Royal Parks, talk about uncovering little hoglets, and uncover the role we can play in ensuring their survival for generations to come. Join us as we learn more about this prickly business.Learn more about getting involved in our citizen science project and other volunteering opportunities: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-usAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the show (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parks)Support the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 4: Bugs of the Royal Parks
Jul 22 2020
Episode 4: Bugs of the Royal Parks
Discover the wonderful world of the minibeasts we call invertebrates. Dr. Alice Laughton, The Royal Parks' Mission: Invertebrate Project Manager, tells us more about the role they play in supporting our beautiful green spaces, how the biodiversity in the parks has changed during lockdown and how The Royal Parks supports these incredible critters to help them thrive… Cue Mission: Invertebrate!Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support-the-parksAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 3: Trooping the Colour
Jun 11 2020
Episode 3: Trooping the Colour
Lucy Kellett, Interpretation Manager for The Royal Parks, interviews Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager for St James's Park, to learn about the national events and celebrations hosted in the Royal Parks. They explore the pomp and circumstance that is Trooping the Colour, as well as other memorable moments in the city's history. Learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the making of these incredible events possible in London.About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks
Episode 2: Dawn Chorus
May 14 2020
Episode 2: Dawn Chorus
In this episode, a Dawn Chorus special, we interview fellow Learning Officer Alison Dent, as well as Conservation Officer Tony Duckett, to learn about this most recognisable sign of spring, the early morning bird song.We talk about why birds sing in the morning, migration and nesting, and how to recognise a few bird species that live in London with a bird song quiz! About The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParksSupport the showSupport the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/supportAbout The Royal Parks: The Royal Parks is the charity that exists to make sure London’s eight historic royal parks will always be there to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors to London. The charity looks after eight of London’s largest open spaces: Hyde Park, The Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens. For more information visit www.royalparks.org.uk Follow The Royal Parks on Twitter @theroyalparks, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks