The Royal Parks has put out an urgent “care alert” urging all visitors—especially those heading to Richmond Park—to exercise heightened caution amid this week’s extreme heat.
The parks are preparing for a surge in visitors seeking shade under London’s treescape but are concerned about the risks posed by tinder-dry landscapes.
Richmond Park’s dry grasslands, bracken, and deadwood present a very high risk of fire spreading, especially in the wake of what has been recorded as England’s warmest and sunniest spring on record, leaving vegetation dangerously parched.
Key Safety Measures Being Reinforced
- No BBQs or open fires anywhere in the Royal Parks.
- No smoking on grassy areas—cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and disposed of in bins.
- No glass litter—bottles and shards can focus sunlight and spark fires.
- No wild swimming in ponds or lakes outside of supervised Serpentine Lido sessions.
Official statements – smokeless, safer visits
Paul Richards, Park Manager at Richmond Park, emphasizes:
“To keep visitors and wildlife safe, BBQs are not allowed in any area of any park. … It only takes one ember onto dry grass to start a terrible fire.”
Health Warning Backed by UKHSA Alert
This park advisory follows an amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 19 June 2025, which warned of health risks—especially to vulnerable groups—as London recorded its highest temperatures of the year at over 32 °C.
What This Means for Visitors
- Plan ahead: bring packed picnics, not BBQ gear.
- Stay vigilant: fully extinguish cigarettes, and clear up all rubbish—especially glass.
- Protect your health: wear sun protection, stay hydrated, take frequent shade breaks and check in on older or vulnerable companions.
Stay Informed
With predicted temperature highs and fire risks rising, staff across Royal Parks will be on high alert and actively patrolling for violations. The parks’ goal is to balance public enjoyment of green spaces with protecting both wildlife and visitor safety.
For the full guidance and latest updates, visit The Royal Parks website.
