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RICHMOND PARK

RICHMOND PARK Circular Distance: 7.6 Miles Area: 2360 Acres KEY ATTRACTIONS: Isabella Plantation, Pembroke Lodge, Henry VII Mound, Sidmouth Woods, Pen Ponds, Holly Lodge VIA PLACES: Kingston, Ham, Petersham, Richmond, Sheen, Roehampton, Kingston Hill

BACKGROUND Richmond Park is the largest open space in London covering almost 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres), and is home to a huge array of wildlife. The Park has changed little over the centuries and although it is surrounded by human habitation, the varied landscape of hills, woodland gardens and grasslands set among ancient trees abounds in wild life. Richmond Park is a site of both national and international importance for wildlife conservation. It is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a European candidate Special Area of Conservation. The Park is a top UK site for ancient trees, particularly oaks, which have great historic and wildlife importance. The trees and associated decaying wood support nationally endangered species of fungi, as well as a remarkable range of nationally scarce invertebrates such as the cardinal click beetle and the stag beetle. Over one thousand species of beetle (more than one quarter of the British list) have been recorded in the Park. This incredible environment has been created by centuries of grazing by herds of Red and Fallow Deer - Richmond Park incorporates the most important area of Lowland Acid Grassland in the Greater London region. Lowland acid grassland is a priority habitat in the Government's UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Richmond Park has been designated as a site of special scientific interest and a National Nature Reserve. The royal connections to this park probably go back further than any of the others, beginning with Edward (1272-1307), when the area was known as the Manor of Sheen. The name was changed to Richmond during Henry VII's reign. HISTORY Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London covering an area of 2,500 acres. From its heights there is an uninterrupted view of St Paul's Cathedral, 12 miles away. Richmond Park has changed little over the centuries and although it is surrounded by human habitation, the varied landscape of hills, woodland gardens and grasslands set among ancient trees abounds in wild life. The royal connections to this park probably go back further than any of the others, beginning with Edward (1272-1307), when the area was known as the Manor of Sheen. The name was changed to Richmond during Henry VII's reign. In 1625 Charles I brought his court to Richmond Palace to escape the plague in London and turned it into a park for red and fallow deer. His decision, in 1637, to enclose the land was not popular with the local residents, but he did allow pedestrians the right of way. To this day the walls remain, although they have been partially rebuilt and reinforced. In 1847 Pembroke Lodge became the home of the then Prime Minister, Lord John Russell and was later the childhood home of his grandson, Bertrand Russell. It is now a popular restaurant with glorious views across the Thames Valley. The Isabella Plantation is a stunning woodland garden which was created after World War II from an existing woodland, and is organically run, resulting in a rich flora and fauna. INFORMATION Opening hours: The park is open from 7am in the summer and 7.30 in the winter, and closes at dusk all year round. Getting there: Bus / Rail: Take British Rail or the District Line Tube to Richmond Station and then catch the 371 bus to get to Richmond Park Gate (Lass of Richmond Hill pub stop). Both the 371 and the 65 buses go to the pedestrian gate at Petersham (Opposite/nearby Dysart) 74 Baker St - Roehampton 72 East Acton - Roehampton 85 Putney Bridge Stn - Kingston There are six car parks within Richmond Park and these are clearly marked on the maps. Remember, do not park on the roads or grassland. There is a disabled, badge holders only, car park for the Isabella Plantation, access via Ham Cross. Contact: Richmond Park Office, Holly Lodge, Bog Lodge Yard, Richmond Park, Surrey. TW10 5HS T. +44 (0)20 8948 3209 ext 228 F. +44 (0)20 8332 2730 richmond@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.

Selected Gallery of Richmond Park and its Wildlife