Richmond Park in southwest London is the largest and best organised park in the world. It is vast, spreading over an area of 10,200 acres, and it's been untouched for ages, as no human intervention has been allowed. It was first enclosed in 1637, whereas many of the trees that stand until today were planted 500-600 years ago.

Thousands of deer

The most impressive feature of this medieval park is the numerous deer that have been roaming free and reproducing for centuries. The herds move with a noisy clatter from one side of the park to the other, while some of them even go outside to nearby streets and graze in gardens. The residents, who are used to it, lead them back to their natural shelter.

The park can be crossed by foot, bicycle or car, but parking within is not allowed, and even stopping the car is forbidden except for some very few open spaces. The road is narrow, with a speed limit of 10 miles per hour, while overtaking is strictly forbidden. Whoever crosses the park must drive very slowly, so that there is enough time for the driver to react, if a deer or even a whole herd suddenly appears in the middle of the road, which is very likely to happen.

On several occasions vehicles have been immobilized for hours, waiting for the animals to get out of their way. Honking is inconceivable for the drivers, as horns aren’t even used in traffic jams in the big cities.

Melancholic comparisons

The visitors of Richmond Park come in direct contact with the deer that come near them. Walking noiselessly within dense medieval vegetation, trying to win the deer’s trust, is an unfamiliar experience for someone that is disassociated from nature.

Especially the Greek visitors of the park often wonder why there are no such big parks in Greece. When large land spaces are free in our country, evil thoughts immediately cross the minds of some squatters and speculators. "We don't have the money to make and conserve parks", some people say. "Let's sell a part to cover costs, let's make a football field, let's construct a race track". Whatever one longs for…

TEXT-PHOTOS: GEORGE ZAFEIROPOULOS
SOURCE: www.greecewithin.com

MORE PHOTOS

The deer move from one side of the park to the other in herds.

The park is a paradise for families and lovers of nature.

The park is being mostly enjoyed by children.

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