A NEW woodland area will be introduced to Richmond Park.
The Royal Parks charity will plant 70 trees to celebrate the 70 years of The Queen’s reign.
The area in the western part of the park will be transformed into a tranquil woodland.
It will also be close to Ham cross plantation and adjacent to the Tamsin Trail.
The 70 trees will be planted around a focal point which is likely to incorporate a seating area, for rest and reflection.
Climate-resilient tree species will be planted, including oak, Dutch Elm-resistant elm, small-leaved lime, and sweet chestnut.
Larger canopy trees will be complemented by smaller trees such as hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, elder, and dogwood.
An investment of £100,000 is made into the woodland creation.
This is funded jointly by The Royal Parks and with generous support from The Friends of Richmond Park, and People’s Postcode Lottery through ‘Help Nature Thrive’.
The Royal Parks will begin planting the woodland in late autumn to winter 2022.
Community activities to celebrate the new woodland are planned for this time.
The woodland creation will take place alongside planting by individuals and groups, for The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, in towns and cities across the United Kingdom - which will also continue in October.
Simon Richards, park manager, Richmond Park, said: “This new woodland will mark 70 years of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign by providing a welcoming community space for rest and relaxation.
“We hope that will inspire discovery and enjoyment of the natural environment for generations to come.
“Climate change is at the forefront of our minds and selecting climate-resilient trees and shrubs that will also support increasing biodiversity.
“We hope this woodland will enhance and help protect this important National Nature Reserve, which provides vital green space on the edge of the capital, for millions of visitors each year.”
The woodland will be fenced to protect trees from browsing deer.
However, it will be free to access through gates and open to the public whenever the park is open.
Roger Hillyer, chair of the friends of Richmond Park, said: “We're delighted to be supporting this exciting initiative for Richmond Park which celebrates Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“The Queen's fondness for trees means this woodland will be a fitting legacy in her honour.
“The new woodland chimes with the Friends’ aim of promoting the conservation, protection and improvement of the Park's natural environment.”
In addition to the new woodland in Richmond Park, a new garden will be created in The Regent’s Park.
This will transform the site of a former plant nursery, previously not accessible to the public, into acres of new green space available to be enjoyed by visitors.
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