H.R.H Princess Alexandra to open ride on 19 September 2008

H.R.H Princess Alexandra will open the horse ride this Friday at 11am in Richmond Park. This excellent new track is located along the south side of the park near the Isabella Plantation and is the culmination of several years of planning.

The previous horse ride was very steep and positioned close to the road - this new ride offers great views across the park and is a gentler route, more suitable for novice riders. It has been carefully located away from the road and it avoids areas of the park that could be damaged through heavy use. The route will enable the old ride, lined by valuable trees, to be restored to parkland - this is a key conservation objective of The Royal Parks who manage Richmond Park, one of England's largest National Nature Reserves and the busiest in the country.

Funding for the project has been provided through a generous donation made by Mr Phil Swallow through the Richmond Park Charitable Trust (RPCT). Phil Swallow is a local Kingston resident who rides regularly in Richmond Park and is a Trustee of the RPCT. Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said: "The new horse ride is an excellent addition to Richmond Park and we are grateful to H.R.H Princess Alexandra for her support and to Mr Phil Swallow for his generous donation. This track is a great improvement, and it will allow us to return the old route back into parkland and to preserve the veteran trees that line it."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Katy Murray, The Royal Parks
Tel: 0300 061 2128 or email: kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About the new horse ride:

• The new horse ride starts at Broomfield Hill and goes between Isabella Plantation and Prince Charles's Spinney wood - it then heads towards Robin Hood Gate.

About the Richmond Park Charitable Trust (RPCT):

• The Richmond Park Charitable Trust was founded in the mid 1990's - the initial purpose was to maximise the benefits of the generous donation made by Peter Beckwith. His donation was used to build the Tamsin Trail - a seven mile accessible trail for walkers and cyclists that goes around the perimeter of Richmond Park.
• The RPCT has since supported a wide range of projects in Richmond Park - including several projects to help water conservation such as the construction of a new pond near Cambrian Gate.

About Richmond Park:

• Richmond Park, at 1000 hectares (2500 acres), is the largest Royal Park in London and is home to around 650 free roaming deer. The pastoral landscape of hills, woodlands, ponds, gardens and grasslands set amongst ancient trees offers a peaceful respite to visitors.
• The Park is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk