Richmond Park, Richmond-Upon-Thames

This evening, I'd love to introduce you to Richmond Park, a true treasure located less than 9 miles from central London. We have made the journey here many times before and built up a great collection of photos that I hope will inspire you all to visit too. I suppose first thing first, I must mention ... the deer! Richmond has been a deer park since the 17th Century and many visitors are attracted to walk and picnic here in hope of seeing the Red and Fallow deer that call this place their home. You will never be disappointed, there are around 630 roaming free here.

 A group of fallow deer in the autumnal shade at Richmond Park. Red deer are

much larger and the males have prominent antlers. Rutting can be observed

during autumn (keep well back!), with the iconic sound of clashing antlers ringing in the air.

A female and two male fallow deer keeping out of the way of the visitors.

Fallow deer have an obvious black stripe and horseshoe shape

on their rear - an easy identifying mark.

Richmond is the second largest park in London, measuring in at approximately 955 hectares. For walkers, this means a great open space to explore. You can walk as little or as far as you like and still get amazing views of the scenery and wildlife. There are several entrance gates and parking here is free, but you may need to arrive in good time to get a space. The park is not only made for walkers, but cyclists too, whom you will no doubt see zooming down the through roads.

Two cyclists enjoying their road biking session through Richmond Park.

If you're mainly here for the wildlife itself, deer are not the only attraction. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve, inhabited by over 140 bird species (we were treated to a kestrel fly-past on our last visit), bats, beetles and other mammals, including the elusive shrew and vole. If you look closely you will spot small birds hiding out in the long reeds and grasses. The ponds are a great place to sit with a pair of binoculars and enjoy your lunch.

 Bright sunshine through the reeds surrounding the pond at Richmond Park. Often,

mornings are misty here in autumn and winter, making for some truly 

atmospheric views.

You will find a number of water-dwelling birds at Richmond,

of course including duck, moorhen and geese. We have spotted

Egyptian geese in this spot before, sitting by the clear, shallower waters.

Perhaps, what I find most astonishing about Richmond is that, whilst it is often full of visitors, you can still get lost in nature here. The openness of the space creates an illusion of distance from others, offering a break from the hectic day-to-day. Visit any time of year for a rural escape here at Richmond.