Nature is essential for human existence, whilst habitats and species are integral to the landscapes, history and sense of place of the Royal Parks. However, accelerating Climate Change and biodiversity loss is currently harming both human well-being, and the landscapes of the parks.
The landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Royal Parks reflect their management as Royal parklands and hunting grounds, with increasing public access provided since 1845. Today the parks provide some of London’s best opportunities for people to experience and enjoy wildlife and to escape the bustle of the city, providing a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits for people, including mitigation for Climate Change.
In addition, the landscapes, habitats and species of the parks form some of London’s most iconic views, framing state ceremonies and events which attract visitors from around the world. We also have legal duties to protect our nature conservation designations and protected species, and a responsibility to maintain the parks, including their biodiversity, in good condition for future generations.
We work with volunteers and partners to lead the way in the provision of wildlife rich habitats in urban parks. But our parks and their wildlife are subject to numerous and increasing pressures which threaten the park landscapes and biodiversity, including climate change, pollution, the spread of animal and plant diseases, as well as the demands of ever rising visitor numbers.
The Royal Parks recently declared a Climate Emergency, and although we have been committed to improving our sustainability for many years, we recognise that we must urgently do more to both reduce the impact of how we operate, and to maximise the delivery of the environmental and societal benefits which the parks provide for London and our visitors. Biodiversity enhancement is key to producing resilient landscapes.
This ten-year Biodiversity Framework aims to deliver transformative change to help us, our partners and visitors conserve and enhance the parks rich natural heritage for future generations. Our 2030 Vision for Biodiversity is that ‘The Royal Parks will be healthier, more resilient and better connected for wildlife and people in the heart of London’.
