Glorious London

I make no secret that I love London, having lived here for most of my adult life, although I wasn't born here. That is not to say that it is perfect or that it would appeal to everyone, heaven forbid; it is a world city, a mega-city, with all the problems that entails.

There is something unique - and simply glorious - that London has in abundance, however, that is not found in any other comparable city anywhere: its public parks. And what an amazing selection there is too choose from, whether in the centre of town or elsewhere. Wherever you go there will be a park to be found, with the best known ones being near the smartest parts of town. But, and therein lies the uniqueness, there are parks in virtually all of London's areas, privileged or not, allowing all inhabitants the luxury of a green open space in a large, busy metropolis.

Londoners generally appreciate their parks and use them in many different ways, from just walking the dog or taking a stroll to organised sports and outdoor events. During hot spells they resemble nudist (well, semi-nude) colonies, as winter-pale bodies try to absorb lots of sun; often the results are not the desired ones, with red, unhappy, blotchy skin being nature's revenge for our refusal to take her seriously.

Parks are often a haven for wildlife, more so the ones with ponds or lakes, and large colonies of ducks, geese, even swans, wander about happily providing a lovely sight for all visitors. I was recently privileged to see the delight on the faces of some city children when they came into contact with these beautiful creatures, close enough to admire, be able to feed them and almost touch them; eyes aglow they looked at the creatures walking nearby and couldn't quite believe what they were witnessing, so close to the heart of this modern, efficient city.

My few photographs are from Regents Park, possibly my favourite of the London parks that I know, and not just because I used to live very near it and cross it on foot almost every day for nearly twenty years. It is large, yes, and houses London Zoo, learned institutions and even private homes, but somehow manages to remain serene and cosseting, giving the illusion of seclusion and peace. Even on a busy sunny day it's possible to find quiet corners to enjoy, listen to the birds and look at the vegetation and the sky, or just read a book.

Don't misunderstand me, London is not some sylvan paradise but an urban environment privileged enough to have many of these wonderful parks. They are not all equally large or beautiful, well maintained or peaceful at all times, but they all add something positive to their communities and the life that they lead. I hesitate to think what London air quality would be like without them. They help make London the special place it is, the mega-city that has a human side, that is liveable in on a day to day basis. They are worth discovering, exploring, enjoying and preserving.