Shaded paths and large areas of grass make Albert Park a welcome green space in Abingdon.

With the school summer holidays underway, the Albert Park has become a gathering place for families and friends. I took the photo above at the start of the holidays, when a large group had gathered in the shade of the trees for a picnic and some were playing volleyball.

The weather throughout most of July has been dry, with just a little rain. The grass has looked parched at times, and some trees have shown signs of stress.

Wildflowers have been fewer than in earlier months. However, there are lots of these yellow dandelion-like flowers towards the bottom of the park (Hawksweed or Hawksbit?).

White yarrow is still holding its own near the bowling green hedge. Jackdaws, magpies, and crows can still be seen strutting and prodding the ground for food, as well as wood pigeons which are more often perched in the trees.

Birdsong has been less noticeable this month, as many smaller birds go quiet during their summer moult.

Among the trees, the Golden Rain Tree has been in bloom with its yellow flowers.

The Japanese Pagoda Tree has also flowered.

Most of the bushes and trees have turned their energy toward producing fruit, nuts, or seeds. The smoke bush has seed plumes which create a smoky haze.

P.S. I’ve done my best to identify the trees, flowers, and shrubs pictured — but let me know if I’ve got any of them wrong.