During the Second World War, Bushy Park was home to a sprawling military base. This is where General Dwight D. Eisenhower came to work on a top-secret plan called ‘Operation Overlord’.

On 6 June 1944, after months of preparation, the plan was ready – 156,000 Allied troops invaded Normandy, some landing on the beaches and others arriving by air. Now known as D-Day, this event ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.

And so much of it was planned right here in the park. Listen on to learn more about this amazing piece of history.

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Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

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 X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

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 show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

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 X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks

In this episode join Anna Barry and Scott Smith live from St James's Park as they bring you all the highlights of the big day. They speak with those coming to the park to view the action, describe the Coronation Procession and chat with The Household Cavalry Museum and Commanding Officer of The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/support

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 X (14) The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) / X, Facebook.com/TheRoyalParksLondon and Instagram.com/TheRoyalParks