17 Sep 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
Fire in Richmond Park
Richmond Park

A fire broke out this morning in Sidmouth Wood, an enclosed area of Richmond Park, near Pembroke Lodge. The fire was spotted at 09.00 by the Royal Parks Constabulary and put out by three vehicles from the local Fire Brigade. An area of approximately 100 square metres was damaged.

Jane Braham, Assistant Park Manager, said "The damage all looks recoverable but we have had a lucky escape here. The Park is very vulnerable to fire at the moment, thanks to an almost total lack of rain and the incredible heat of the last few months. There is no obvious sign of what caused the fire but it's a salutary reminder to everyone that even a discarded cigarette could cause a major fire in the Park's dry grass and woodland. I'd like to thank the Fire Brigade for their prompt and professional response."

The site of the fire was an open grassy area forming part of the 'sight corridor' for the famous view from Henry VIII's Mound to St Paul's Cathedral. A 100 square metre area of grass and Rhododendron Ponticum have been destroyed and a particularly fine mature sweet chestnut has been scorched on one side. The Park management are confident that the chestnut, a vigorous tree despite its age, should survive and that the ground vegetation will bounce back.

The peaty soil in the area, formed by decades of leaf mould, also caught flame as did old fallen logs and branches. The Fire Brigade worked with Royal Parks staff to damp down the area down to prevent the fire from restarting.

Sidmouth Wood is the largest enclosed area in the Park, with a fence to keep both deer and people out, and is sanctuary for wildlife, from woodpeckers to stag beetles.

On 30th March 2003 an ecologically important veteran oak tree on Spankers Hill near White Lodge was burnt down when someone dumped the smouldering remains of their disposable barbecues in the hollow of the tree.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 0300 061 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Richmond Park is London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve, a candidate European Special Area of Conservation and a Grade 1 Listed landscape. Species records for the Park include 49 grasses, rush and sedges; over 250 fungi; more than 1000 beetles; 546 butterflies and moths; 139 spiders; 144 birds; and 25 mammals.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.