Alison Dent

I joined the Royal Parks Foundation team in January 2012 as Education Officer. My role is to develop and deliver outdoor education programmes for all ages from our base at the state-of-the-art Education Centre. I am passionate about introducing London’s children to the natural world around them, even in the centre of our busy city. Perhaps a few will be inspired to become the scientists and environmentalists of the next generation.

The best thing about my job is… Introducing school children and park visitors to the wealth of wildlife that exists in the heart of our busy city. 

My favourite Royal Park is... The Regent’s Park – my local park and I have been visiting it for over 25 years. I love its hidden wild places, bird life, variety of trees and summer wildflower meadows. 

My favourite fact about a Royal Park is... The clear view in Kensington Gardens from Buck Hill to Kensington Palace is the longest open vista uninterrupted by a building in London.

If I were a creature in the Parks, I would be... A kestrel hovering over the summery meadows in The Regent’s Park. This year I have watched through binoculars five kestrel chicks successfully mature and fledge while sitting comfortably on a bench!

If I had a super-power, it would be… Flight – to soar with the birds and migrate to warmer climes in the winter.