Parks and open spaces policies and plans

We have the largest area of public open space per head of population of any London borough. We have developed the following plans to ensure the quality of our parks remains high.

Nature conservation statement 2019

For full details read our nature conservation statement (pdf, 67 KB)

Strategic principles for parks and open spaces

We have updated our strategic principles following consultation with stakeholders including councillors and Friends Groups. There are some changes to these from the previous strategic principles to highlight changes in how we aim to deliver our service. 

For full details read our strategic principles (pdf, 152KB)

Open space assessment 2023

A recent open space assessment was undertaken by Knight, Kavanagh & Page Ltd to review open spaces including parks in the borough.

Read the Open space assessment. 

Keeping safe in parks statement

The parks and open spaces in Richmond are some of the safest in London. However, there is still public concern over personal safety. We have drawn up a policy to clarify our approach to community safety in parks and open spaces.

Read the keeping safe in parks statement.

Parks Improvement Programme (PIP)

We have a yearly programme of work for parks play and infrastructure improvements. This is as a result of the All in One Survey in 2011 which highlighted Parks and Open Spaces as the most important service to borough residents.

In order to retain the current high standards of parks, existing facilities will be improved and new facilities developed in partnership and consultation with borough residents.

Key aims

• Maintaining and increasing the standards of parks and associated facilities
• Maximise investment
• High quality sustainable solutions will be specified
• Recognition through awards and accolades
• Continue to be a leader nationally and locally in Green space management and innovation

Key themes

• Improving access into parks
• Enhancing play and sporting opportunities for all abilities in parks
• Upgrading existing and providing new facilities for the community in parks
• Enhancing biodiversity, horticultural features and the tree stock in parks

Key delivery

• Providing educational opportunities, preserving the history of/in parks and facilitating arts and culture
• Celebrating community and providing special occasions in parks through events
• Using innovation to achieve new ways and technologies which appeal to all
• Linking borough parks and facilities via the River Thames and towpaths

Find out more about current park improvements.

Integrated Pest Management Policy

We have implemented the management policy below in regard to pest management in Parks and Open Spaces. The policy identifies the key pest management issues in our Open Spaces. It is a decision-making framework with a range of options for addressing pest management. The key aim of the policy is the select the right control methods in all operations, whist reducing the use of chemicals and protecting staff, park users, biodiversity and the wider environment.

For full details read our Integrated Pest Management Policy (pdf, 197 KB).

Parks Customer Satisfaction Survey 2023

Our Parks Customer Satisfaction Survey has found that 93% of residents are happy with the parks services in the borough.

This survey takes place every two years and aims to assess overall satisfaction with local parks and highlight any areas for improvement.

The 2023 survey found that the parks and open spaces in the borough continue to operate to a high standard with a general satisfaction amongst residents of 93%. Significantly, 94% of respondents rated the ease of access in parks as excellent, good or satisfactory while 90% of respondents said they felt safe in our parks.

For full details please see our Parks Customer Satisfaction Survey Report 2023.

Biodiversity Action Plan

To conserve Richmond’s biodiversity, we need to reverse the decline of valuable species and habitats.

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) explains how to promote the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources.

Richmond’s BAP prioritises habitats and species that are rare, in decline or characteristic of Richmond, and aims to use them to help raise the profile of biodiversity in the borough. The BAP's strategy is based around protecting and celebrating local wildlife and improving the quality of wildlife habitats and the environment in our borough

Our Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) focuses on the protection, conservation and enhancement of wildlife within our borough and encourages proactive conservation from all sectors of the community. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan's recognition that “biodiversity is ultimately lost or conserved at the local level” is central to the design and the implementation of our LBAP.

Habitat and species actions plans

The key to the success of these Biodiversity Action Plans is their implementation. We are fortunate in this borough to have the support of many local groups, individuals, statutory agencies and land managers who work together to play an important role in the protection and enhancement of these species and habitats.