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24for more than 1200 UK-based charities. Those running for a charity team are guaranteed entry into the race. It starts and finishes in Hyde Park, snaking its way through Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and on to Green Park and St James Park to the Strand and back again. Entry is open for the 2025 event.SWIM SERPENTINEThis event takes place annually in September. The maximum distance is 2 miles, or twice round the Serpentine, but there are lesser distance options to choose from. As with the half marathon there are opportunities to raise money for charities whilst enjoying what can be a bracing swim!FLOODING, REPAIRS AND RESTORATIONS Darren Share and Edward StricklandFlooding from short burst heavier rainfall is becoming a new phenomenon in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens but due to the small catchment is manageable. The water level in the Serpentine Lake does not therefore fluctuate widely at present. This is monitored on a regular basis. Even if there was a sudden increase in water the dam has an emergency drawdown facility (sluice) and additional bank protection has also been installed recently (kerb down past Dell) in the unlikely event of a lake overflow.Local flooding in the park has been addressed in past years, particularly outside Serpentine Bar and Kitchen and on the footpath below The Dell. Additional local flooding will be reviewed/addressed subject to funding, over the next few years on Serpentine Road (2 spots), North of Old Police House (ponding) and on West Carriage Drive (near the Bridge). Most of this flooding is due to blocked underground drainage.On the Parade Ground, moderate rainfall is collected via soakaways and additional temporary drainage (Winter Wonderland only), but this approach is under constant review as the rainfall becomes more intense.In future, subject to funding and governance, we plan to attenuate more water, such as the swale up near the Northern Manege (North Carriage Drive) which works well and potentially re-purpose or recirculate all water and reduce water going to sewer.NEW CHAIRMANFollowing the election of the new government in May it was announced that Dame Mary Archer would not be confirmed as chairman of the Royal Parks charity, and that Loyd Grossman, who has already completed two four year stints as chairman, would continue in the post until a new chairman is appointed in 2025.NATIONAL TREE WEEK National Tree week takes place every year in November. It is the UK%u2019s largest annual tree celebration marking the start of the winter tree planting season.It dates back to 1973 when two MPs, Peter Walker and Sydney Chapman, launched a campaign to raise awareness of the threat of Dutch elm disease which was killing a substantial number of trees across the United Kingdom. Dutch elm disease hinders trees from efficiently absorbing water, so this was considered a major concern.The celebrations were initially called Plant a Tree in %u201973 and called upon communities across the country to plant as many trees as they could throughout the year. The UK%u2019s tree planting season lasts from November until March and National Tree Week signals its beginning.Trees have a critical role in the natural ecosystem that cannot be overstated. They help collect carbon dioxide from the air and release it as oxygen, making them important pollutant controllers. More trees provide better air quality and more pockets of shade to shield us from the elements, all of which are good for human existence. The presence of trees also aids the surrounding species by providing them with shelter and food, while the soil obtains the nutrients it requires to develop stronger and more fruitful.Main source The Tree Council A magnificent specimen near Hyde Park CornerHarry Edmonds