There's an info board by the car park, telling you what's going on with the work. For instance, it tells you they're clearing scrub to open up views to the river, and that there's a number of large 'veteran' trees (I presume the oak you mention is one of them) being protected, preserved and made visible. It also implies the contractors and council reps have realised their big mistake in not engaging properly with everyday park users and the Friends, and are trying to remedy that.
Bryan Betts ● 1216d