East Finchley Parakeets

I've been listening and watching these ring-necked parakeets flying across our allotments for months now but a walk in next door Coldfall Wood a little over a week ago and there they were all roosting in the trees. I know they're an exotic arrival but they've managed to adapt and survive here in London town quite successfully and I admire that.

Anyway I like the variety of explanations as to how they got here including that they escaped from Shepperton Studio during the filming of The African Queen in 1951 or they were accidentally released when the aviaries were damaged at London Zoo during the '87 storm. My favourite is that they were set free by Jimi Hendrix.

Coldfall Wood - Stream

Just like our allotment, Coldfall Wood sits on the slope of a hill and has a rainwater run-off/stream meandering through it. Over the course of the summer they have created a water system using shallow pools and dams and what I think is a reed bed, its brilliant. We have an issue with our streams as they have pollution running into them from the houses on Creighton Avenue but I've been thinking of ways to filter the water as it runs through the allotments and this 'bed' system looks like a good idea, using gravel and plants, maybe even charcoal. Anyway, its an idea that needs more ponderance.

Coldfall Woods Autumn

East Finchley Allotments are right next to the most beautiful wooded area called Coldfall Wood. We take the dogs in there sometimes. It is absolutely stunning this time of year, took these photos on the 29th September. We are so lucky to have an old wood like this on our allotment doorstep, that you can be in the heart of London and be surrounded by trees.