TO a frequent user of the Royal Parks in the 1990s, a return to these places in the third decade of the 21st century is a revelation. Beautiful as they were 25 years ago, apart from the stately trees, the overriding impression was one of neatness, with acres of closely mown lawn and natural vegetation kept under control. Now, Nature is managed on a looser rein, at least in parts, and a more varied flora and fauna is noticeable.
On a fine morning in spring, entering Hyde Park from the Marble Arch end, the scent of hawthorn hangs in the air. Cow parsley, bluebells, wood anemones, daffodils and the occasional red
