Richmond Park To Leave Covid-19 Restrictions in Place for Now
Social distancing rules remain but residents advised to keep eye on website
There are currently no changes to social distancing rules, car parking and opening times at Richmond Park and Bushy Park, but keen visitors are advised to keep an eye on the Royal Parks social media pages for any updates in the coming days.
Currently social distancing measures are still in force at all the Royal Parks, and require visitors to remain two metres apart from others outside their household.
There should be no groups of people cycling, walking or jogging, no group picnics and no sitting on a bench next to someone outside your household.
However, on Sunday (May 10) Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that from Wednesday (May 13) people will be able to sunbathe in their local parks and can drive to other destinations.
A spokesperson for the Royal Parks said they “do not have an update yet” on changes, but advised visitors to keep an eye on their social media and website “as we will be posting any updates there as a first point of call.”
It is likely some changes will be introduced soon in light of the new government advice.
However, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew remain closed for the foreseeable future.
A spokesperson said: “We don’t have any information to share about reopening at this stage. Like many organisations, we’re working on our reopening plans and will reopen once it’s safe to do so.”
As it stands all park offices in Richmond Park and Bushy Park remain closed to the public and The Isabella Plantation and Pembroke Lodge Gardens in Richmond Park are closed until further notice.
All park roads through Richmond Park and Bushy Park are closed to motor vehicles.
Car parks at the sites are currently only open for key workers who have been approved and issued with a parking permit, with priority given to NHS staff working nearby.
Cycling in Richmond Park has also been suspended until further notice.
The controversial measure was introduced to prevent crowds at park gates, but NHS workers and key workers going directly to or returning from their place of work are allowed to cycle through upon presenting documentation from their employers.
Under 12s can continue to cycle in the park.
Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter
May 13, 2020