A corner of the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park

Richmond Park is with an area of almost 10 km² the largest royal park in London, close to Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames and East Sheen.

The park has roads linking these areas running through it, however these are only open during daylight hours, the speed limit is 20 mph, and no commercial vehicles are allowed. The park is enclosed with a high wall with several gates. The gates open to motor traffic are Sheen Gate, Richmond Gate, John Martin's Gate (Ham Common), Kingston Gate, and Roehampton Gate. As of 2003 Robin Hood Gate (by the Robin Hood roundabout on the A3) is permanently closed to motor traffic.

The park is picturesque, mainly due to the many deer (both red deer and fallow deer) that roam freely around it, and the delightful Isabella Plantation, a cornucopia of different plants in a green haven.

Richmond Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a cSAC Special Area of Conservation for the Stag Beetle.

External links

• Royal Parks
• For more information on Stag Beetles