I’ve been lucky enough to have been on the planet for 40 years now… I know, I don’t look it - mens moisturiser is a thing now but cement does a better job on the wrinkles ;-). Until last year I hadn’t been to Richmond or Bushy Park, in all that time I had driven passed them many times, probably even planned to go there once or twice but never got around to it. Now, I can’t get enough of the place! After many many visits to both Richmond Bushy Parks, I wanted to share some of the images and experiences I’ve had at these incredible wildlife havens.
The views and surroundings
Before I talk about the wildlife, it’s essential I explain the feel of these enormous parks. They’re very typical in that they have wide open spaces and areas of deep forest. However, Richmond Park also has many views towards the towering business buildings in the centre of London and this is what I think makes this place so special.
I’ve always loved London, but only to dip in and out of, I don’t think it would ever be possible for me to live there, it’s just too hectic, I enjoy the quiet, open spaces too much - purely because there’s no-one to there bother me. However, being in the centre of what is essentially a wildlife park and the contrast of the capital city within viewing distance is a great feeling - you can sit quietly and gaze into the distance whilst imagining the busyness of city, safe in the knowledge that you don’t have to change your clothes, have a shower and sit in silence for the next 24 hours just to recover!
One of the best times to visit the parks is sunrise, especially for photography. Catch it when there’s a slight mist in the air and mix this with golden light and you have an incredible place to be, in quiet surroundings with just the sound of wildlife slowly starting to wake up for the day ahead. The title image for this blog shows another typical sight you will see, a few early morning runners getting in some fitness before the day starts. Pockets of light and rays of sunshine pass through the trees and splash on to the park floor. Genuinely, it’s one of the best places to relax!
The Wildlife
Okay, this is the most exciting part, well for me anyway! I can’t think of many places, in the UK anyway, that offer such a diverse place for wildlife - Both Richmond and Bushy Parks are full of it;
Deer
Squirrel
Rabbit
Mice
Shrew
Fox
Apparently, there’s around 144 species of bird! I mean… that’s enough to keep any birder busy for years! Some of the species include; all three native woodpeckers, kestrels and owls.
Swans, ducks and Geese all make use of the Pen Ponds and are often accompanied by Herons, although they aren’t always so friendly with the smaller inhabitants of the ponds!
So, what have I caught on camera at Richmond Park?
It seems as though there’s just a never ending list of what I want to capture at The Royal Parks, in the meantime, here’s a selection of just some of the wildlife below. Be sure to check out the short films I’ve put together for Richmond and Bushy Park below too! Please also be sure to check out my Prints/Downloads page if you require prints of anything you see here.