Hundreds of families plant trees to celebrate opening of Richmond Park’s new Petersham Playground

The Royal Parks charity welcomed hundreds of local families to plant trees to celebrate the opening of the renewed, nature-friendly Petersham Playground in Richmond Park, on Saturday, 12 April, 2025.

The charity, which manages London’s eight Royal Parks including Richmond Park, held a day filled with fun activities, led by the charity’s Help Nature Thrive conservation team and joined by the Friends of Richmond Park. Activities included nature-inspired crafts and games, and visitors were invited to plant hundreds of saplings for a new wildlife-friendly hedgerow. 

The newly-renovated playground has been created to inspire children to connect with nature through wildlife-friendly features such as sculptures, bird boxes and bug hotels and by using natural materials for the new playground equipment. 

It is set within a beautiful landscape, with new wildlife planting schemes based on species found in the park, which include native hedgerows, trees, shrubs and flowering plants, so that children can play alongside butterflies and birdsong.  Better pathways and new seating improve accessibility. 

The new playground’s planting and sculptures, as well as the planting day activities have been made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Charlotte Cass, Help Nature Thrive Project Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see hundreds of families come together to celebrate the re-opening of Petersham Playground and enjoy planting saplings together.

“Not only has the day been enormous fun for everyone, but it also helped children and young people connect with nature and understand the importance of protecting it - educating future generations while leaving a lasting legacy in this precious National Nature Reserve.”

The playground was designed by The Royal Parks’ landscape team and was constructed by Blakedown Landscapes.

Paul Richards, Park Manager, Richmond Park, said: “The sun was shining throughout this joyful community event to mark the opening of the new playground, which saw people of all ages creating connections with Richmond Park’s unique natural heritage.

“This new facility will encourage thousands and thousands of children to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and enjoy the many benefits of play — from boosting mental and physical wellbeing, to building friendships and confidence in a safe, inspiring environment, for many years to come.”