OLD DEER PARK (ODP)
LINK Path from the heart of Richmond to the Thames and Old Deer Park - Update.
19 July 2024
The Old Deer Park Working Group (ODPG) comprises representatives of Friends of Richmond Green (FoRG) and other local amenity groups. The aim is to make the ODP better appreciated for outdoor sports & recreation and with better access while sustaining the park’s historic significance and parkland qualities. The ODPG works closely with the Richmond upon Thames Council (the Council), Thames Landscape Strategy, the Crown Estate and others and has done so for over 12 years.
Access to the Thames and ODP from the heart of Richmond involves a new path in a joint Council/ODPG project as intended by the ODP Strategy, 1999 and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document for the ODP, 2018. Phase 1, from Park Lane through the A316 car park, was completed in 2019. Phase 2, linking the car park to the river and ODP, started in September 2023 and is expected to complete in the next few weeks. The last section of the delightful, winding, unbound gravel path from the car park is now being completed and will join the permeable resin gravel path from Old Palace Lane to the raised board walk under Twickenham Bridge.
The unusual high tides and rainfall last year and so far this year meant the project works had to be interrupted last autumn. Flooding of the path’s course nearer the Thames was anticipated each year but based on the recent flooding experience and portents for the future the Council recommends the later sections of the path be redirected to higher ground nearer the railway arches, and while not as scenic as the centre area it should be a practical way forward and maintain accessibility subject to times of exceptional flooding.
The path between Old Palace Lane to the ODP passing under the railway and Twickenham Road will have a section raised to a higher level than at present and there will be channels/pipes underneath the path and to the ha ha to take flood water away but there will of course continue to be flooding with increased water levels and climate change.
The new boardwalk into the ODP currently ends in an area susceptible to flooding; this was due to budget constraints and the fact this is a phased project. The aspiration is for a Phase 3 to extend the board walk to the footbridge linking the towpath and ODP. This would link up with the intended boardwalk around and through the area of the ODP including the ha ha that is currently being planned as part of the Thames Landscape Strategy Wilding Project. The TLS is working on the project plans and funding but Phase 3 of the Link project is unlikely to be ready to proceed in 2025 unless funding becomes available. However, people will be able to use the boardwalk link in the drier periods and will be no worse off than had there been no boardwalk. The Council have said they will mow path side strips through the meadow from the boardwalk to the bridge when ground conditions allow access with machinery.
ODPG very much appreciates the Council’s efforts in obtaining all consents and managing and funding the project to date.
Questions are welcome; please email mail@forg.org.uk
Peter Willan, Chair - Old Deer Park Working Group
Vivien Harris, Chair - Friends of Richmond Green