skip to main content
The Royal Parks web site uses cookies. By browsing you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our cookie policy
  • Home
  • Royal Parks
  • Support
  • Media Centre
  • Careers
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • searchsearch
The Royal Parks menu
  • Visitor information
    • The parks after lockdown
    • Opening times and getting here
    • Visitor Information Centre
    • Volunteer Rangers
    • Free minibus service in Richmond Park
    • Accessibility information
    • Parking in Richmond Park
    • Deer safety advice for Richmond Park
    • Tick bites and Lyme Disease
    • Oak Processionary Moth
    • Flying drones in Richmond Park
    • Park regulations, legislation and policies
    • Contact Richmond Park
  • Map of Richmond Park
  • Food and drink
    • Pembroke Lodge
    • Roehampton Cafe
    • Refreshment points
  • Things to see and do
    • Upcoming events in Richmond Park
    • Isabella Plantation
    • Wildlife
    • King Henry's Mound
    • 'The Way' - St Paul's Cathedral Tercentenary Gates
    • Sports and leisure
    • Ian Dury Bench
    • Children's playgrounds
  • Latest News
    • Sign up to the Richmond Park newsletter
    • Update on parking charge proposals
    • Weather station data
  • About Richmond Park
    • History and Architecture
    • Landscape History
    • Richmond Park in film
  • Donate
searchSearch
  • The Royal Parks
  • Visitor information
    arrow_drop_down
    • The parks after lockdown
    • Opening times and getting here
    • Visitor Information Centre
    • Volunteer Rangers
    • Free minibus service in Richmond Park
    • Accessibility information
    • Parking in Richmond Park
    • Deer safety advice for Richmond Park
    • Tick bites and Lyme Disease
    • Oak Processionary Moth
    • Flying drones in Richmond Park
    • Park regulations, legislation and policies
    • Contact Richmond Park
  • Map of Richmond Park
  • Food and drink
    arrow_drop_down
    • Pembroke Lodge
    • Roehampton Cafe
    • Refreshment points
  • Things to see and do
    arrow_drop_down
    • Upcoming events in Richmond Park
    • Isabella Plantation
    • Wildlife
    • King Henry's Mound
    • 'The Way' - St Paul's Cathedral Tercentenary Gates
    • Sports and leisure
    • Ian Dury Bench
    • Children's playgrounds
  • Latest News
    arrow_drop_down
    • Sign up to the Richmond Park newsletter
    • Update on parking charge proposals
    • Weather station data
  • About Richmond Park
    arrow_drop_down
    • History and Architecture
    • Landscape History
    • Richmond Park in film
  •  
  • Donate
    • Home
    • Royal Parks
    • Support
    • Media Centre
    • Careers
    • Shop
    • About us
    • Contact us
  • Richmond Park
  • 
  • Things to see and do
  • 
  • Wildlife
  • 

Trees

The oldest, largest and most noticeable inhabitants of Richmond Park are its trees. Richmond Park is a leading UK site for ancient trees, particularly oaks, which have great historic and ecological importance.

We have about 1,200 ancient trees, some of which pre-date the park's enclosure. The old English Oaks were traditionally managed by pollarding - a way of cutting back the crown of the tree above the reach of the deer to stimulate the growth of foliage and timber for harvesting.

These ancient trees host a diversity of fungi which help to create hollows and crevices that provide homes for a wide range of wildlife, from ants and beetles to birds and bats. Natural decay within standing trees and fallen timber supports many scarce and threatened invertebrates. Over 1,350 species of beetle have been recorded in Richmond Park, many of which depend on decaying wood. The list includes internationally threatened species such as the rusty click beetle, the cardinal click beetle and the stag beetle which, at up to 7cm long, is Britain's largest beetle. Stag beetle grubs (larvae) feed on decaying timber and need to be left undisturbed for between three to seven years before they pupate and emerge as adults.

In previous decades dead or rotting wood would have been 'tidied away', removing this important habitat. These days, we are very aware of the need to retain undisturbed standing and lying dead wood as part of the woodland ecosystem.

Wildlife 

Deer in Richmond Park

Birds

Bats in Richmond Park

Fungi

Grasses and wildflowers

Invertebrates

Mammals

Stag Beetles

Help us improve our website by providing your feedback.

Website user survey

close

search
Explore the Royal Parks
  • Hyde Park
  • Kensington Gardens
  • Richmond Park
  • Bushy Park
  • St James's Park
  • The Green Park
  • The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
  • Greenwich Park
  • Greenwich Park Revealed - Park Restoration Project
  • Brompton Cemetery
  • Victoria Tower Gardens
  • Grosvenor Square Garden
Support the parks
  • Make a donation
  • Philanthropy and major giving
  • Leave a gift in your Will 
  • Run, cycle or swim for the parks
  • Hire The LookOut, Hyde Park
  • Become a partner
  • Corporate volunteering
  • Dedications in your local park
Media Centre
  • Press Releases
  • Royal Parks News Permit
  • Filming and photography
  • Royal Parks Image Library
  • News Archive
  • Trooping the Colour media accreditation
About us
  • Who we are
  • What we do
  • Procurement
  • Partner organisations
  • Publications
  • Friends of The Royal Parks
  • Contact us
  • Modern Slavery Statement
Connect with us
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Watch our videos on YouTube
The Royal Parks

The Royal Parks is a registered charity (No. 1172042) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales no. 10016100 (VAT No. 261 4640 19)

Copyright © The Royal Parks 2016-2022 | Head Office: The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London. W2 2UHTerms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

close

Subscribe to our eNewsletter today

Be the first to hear our latest news and read about upcoming events, learning and volunteering opportunities, fundraising and park improvement projects when you sign up to our mailing list.

Aerial view of Regents