Main picture: Making hay while the sun shines: July saw an impressive array of equipment brought into the Park to mow and then rake the hay before finally baling and removing it.

Photograph: Nigel Jackman

Update on the policing of Richmond Park

MPS

At the recent Royal Parks Guild awards, Nicola Andrews, Palaces Group Director at Historic Royal Palaces (centre) presented the Guild’s team award to the Metropolitan Police Service, Royal Parks Operational Command Unit. This award was for the outstanding support of the unit and marked over 150 years of service. Constable Stephen Christmas (left) and Sergeant Pete Sturgess (right) serving Richmond Park and Bushy Park, received the Award on behalf of the police.

We have received some further information about the future policing of Richmond Park. The 150 year service of a dedicated parks police unit will end by November 2025.

As Richmond Park lies within Richmond borough, it will be covered by the three adjacent Ward police teams (Safer Neighbourhood Teams, SNTs): South Richmond; East Sheen; and Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside.

These teams will not get any additional resource (even though they will be covering an additional 2,500 acres and 5.5m visits a year). None of the current police unit will transfer to these teams (even though they have years of experience and expertise of the particular features of the park and on The Royal Parks Regulations). Handover plans are being developed.

All parties say that, legally, only police officers can enforce The Royal Parks Regulations so using a contract security firm does not appear to be possible.

The Royal Parks charity say that they are working closely with the police to ensure a plan is put in place to maintain public safety once the police unit is fully disbanded.

Late Cuckoo sighting

Photo: Robin Hankins

A young cuckoo in juvenile plumage was spotted in the Park last month, prior to making its maiden journey to Africa, probably the Congo rainforest, for the winter. Its most likely journey will take it through Spain or Italy before it crosses the Sahara Desert and then continues down to West Africa.

London Fire Brigade drill in Richmond Park

In July, The Royal Parks staff joined more than 50 firefighters from London Fire Brigade and the Met Police on a wildfire drill to test readiness to respond to emergencies to protect park visitors, historic landscapes and wildlife, and to help emergency services prepare for events across London.

Coming soon – The 2026 Richmond Park Calendar, with 43 photos!

Front cover and April image: Azaleas and oaks in the Isabella Plantation © Eric Baldauf

With so many beautifully produced, original images of the Park’s scenery and wildlife, this is more than just a calendar – it’s a wonderful memento of Richmond Park throughout the year. Same price as last year –  treat yourselves and delight your family and friends whilst helping to raise funds for projects in the Park. £10.

On sale from August bank holiday weekend at the Visitor Centre, and from 1 September from the online shop.