Richmond Park Open Day at Holly Lodge – Sunday 17 September
The popular Richmond Park Open Day is back with a rare chance to visit the grounds of Holly Lodge. Do visit the Friends stalls from 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit Richmond Park Open Day | The Royal Parks
Ham Gate damaged
Ham Gate Sunday 6 August 2023 – the gate is now open again. Photograph Roger Hillyer
Ham Gate was severely damaged in the early hours of Saturday 5 August. Press reports describe that a car collided with the gates. The police are investigating. The wrought iron gates, which date from 1921 when the entrance was widened, and the two decorative lanterns have been a much loved feature. Although the gate is now open again after a few days closure, the damage will clearly take some time to repair.
Ham Gate May 2007 Photograph Max Lankester
Duathlon in Richmond Park – Sunday 3 September
The roads and trails throughout Richmond Park, including the Tamsin Trail, will be closed to all vehicles and non-event cyclists on Sunday 3 September. The Friends will have a stall in the Event Village.
Jersey Tiger moths
Photograph: Nigel Jackman
Once locally rare, the beautiful and intriguing Jersey Tiger moth has extended its range quite quickly in the last decade and this year has been the best ever for them in Richmond Park. These medium – large moths fly from July until September. Distinctive with their black and white striped forewings, their underwings vary from almost red to bold orange or yellow, with black spots on their abdomens. They are diurnal and can often be seen flying on warm days or feeding on flowering plants. Pembroke Lodge gardens and Isabella Plantation are two particularly good places to see them at their peak.
Tamsin Trail – temporary part closure near Broomfield Hill for wall repairs
Photograph: Richard Pender
A section of the Tamsin Trail between Broomfield Hill Car Park and Ladderstile Gate is now closed to all users for about the next four months whilst The Royal Parks carry out urgent repairs to the listed boundary wall. Pedestrians are able to use a nearby path that runs parallel to the Tamsin Trail. Cyclists need to divert onto the road before rejoining The Tamsin Trail south of Ladderstile Gate or north of Broomfield Hill Car Park.
Galls
Knopper gall on acorn Photograph: Janet Bostock
Look for galls when you walk in the park. Galls are strange shapes on plants caused by parasitic insects, mites or fungi. Many plants can become hosts. “Witches broom” causes bushy growth on birch trees. “Robin‘s pin cushion” gall forms on wild dog rose. “Lime nails” can be seen on lime tree leaves. Plants can tolerate these parasites; they are part of the amazing biodiversity in plants.