The Royal Parks has received a grant of nearly £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) for the Isabella Plantation Access Project.

This grant will enable The Royal Parks to implement improvement plans for the Isabella Plantation that were developed from previous HLF and BIG grants and after a year of public consultation.

Improvements to the Isabella Plantation

Access improvements:

• Resurfacing and redesign of the disabled users' car park and approach roads.
• Improved entrance gates.
• Resurfacing and updating of the existing path network to provide a variety of more accessible routes.

Visitor facilities:

• New sustainably built facilities including toilet, shelter and seating.
• Modernisation of the existing toilet block to make it accessible for all users.
• Upgrades to the existing motorised wheelchair service.

Environmental and ecological improvements:

• Desilting of ponds.
• A new more sustainable water storage and irrigation system collecting water from the park's natural supply.
• Reed beds.

Community activities:

• The Royal Parks will continue to work with local community groups and partners to develop an exciting range of activities and resources aimed at existing and new visitors.
• A range of educational and volunteer activities on offer such as wildlife identification sessions and guided tours.
• Two dedicated 18 month horticultural apprentice placements can be realised, offering an ideal opportunity for school leavers to try horticulture and the possibility of stepping into the more advanced Royal Parks Apprentice scheme once their training is complete.

Further information

If you would like to be kept informed about developments, receive further news or would like to make a donation, please contact the Richmond Park office or write to: