Richmond wildlife at risk after park police disbanded

Richmond wildlife has suffered a noticeable decline since the Royal Parks Police were disbanded last year, according to Council leader Gareth Roberts. The dedicated officers who once patrolled Richmond Park and Bushy Park were cut by the Mayor of London to help close a £260 million Met Police budget gap, with neighbourhood officers now responsible for park policing. Roberts is calling for the decision to be re-thought.

The Royal Parks Police disbandment has had measurable consequences for local green spaces.

What happened to the Royal Parks Police

The specialist unit was dissolved in 2026 as part of budget cuts.

Mayor Sadiq Khan described it as a tough decision at the time, with policing responsibilities transferred to standard neighbourhood officers. The Royal Parks Police had been a dedicated presence across Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and other royal green spaces in the borough, with officers trained specifically in park management, wildlife protection, and the unique challenges of policing large open spaces visited by millions each year. Their local knowledge extended to seasonal wildlife patterns, problem areas for illegal activity, and the specific needs of both visitors and resident species.

The whole situation needs to be re-thought

When you remove specialists who know every corner of a park, you lose more than just a uniform on patrol.

The impact on local parks and wildlife

Roberts points to a detrimental effect on wildlife since the change.

While the Council leader has not specified exact incidents, the concern centres on enforcement gaps: from disturbance of protected bird nesting sites to illegal cycling through sensitive areas, dog control in deer breeding seasons, and fly-tipping in quieter corners. Neighbourhood officers cover residential areas as well as parks, meaning response times and specialist knowledge differ from the previous arrangement. Richmond Park alone spans 2,500 acres and is home to over 630 red and fallow deer, along with protected bird species and rare beetles found nowhere else in Britain.

The difference between an officer who patrols a park daily and one who covers it alongside twelve streets is the difference between noticing a problem early and discovering it too late.

What this means for you

If you regularly walk or volunteer in Richmond Park or Bushy Park, your observations now carry extra weight. Report wildlife disturbance, illegal activity, or damage to park infrastructure directly to the Royal Parks charity via their website or the 0300 061 2026 number. You can also contact your local councillor if you notice recurring problems, as resident reports help build the case for better protection. The Council is pushing for a rethink of the policing model, and documented evidence of what is happening on the ground strengthens that argument considerably.

The removal of dedicated park police was a budget decision with real consequences for Richmond’s green spaces. Whether the model changes again depends partly on how clearly those consequences are documented and reported.

Frequently asked questions

Who polices Richmond Park now?

Metropolitan Police neighbourhood officers cover Richmond Park alongside their other local duties. The Royal Parks charity also employs park managers and wardens, but they do not have police powers.

Can I still report problems in the park?

Yes. Call the Royal Parks on 0300 061 2026 for non-urgent issues like damage or disturbance, or 999 if you witness a crime in progress. You can also report via the Royal Parks website.

What wildlife is protected in Richmond Park?

Red and fallow deer, various bird species including woodpeckers and skylarks, stag beetles, and several bat species all have legal protection. Disturbance during breeding seasons is a particular concern.

Could the Royal Parks Police return?

The decision rests with the Mayor of London and the Met Police. Richmond Council is advocating for the model to be reconsidered, but no commitment has been made to reinstate the dedicated unit.