Historically, the two parks were associated with Hampton Court Palace and the monarchs who resided there. The parks were hunting grounds for the pleasure of the monarchs and were stocked to support the palace’s residents. The parks have fascinating histories, and both are correctly described as Royal Parks.
These are deer parks, in which the wild deer herds roam freely. Bushy Park has two herds, Red deer and Fallow deer. Home Park has one herd of Fallow deer. The parks are habitats for many bird species and other animals. The dead wood in the parks is habitat for invertebrates, some of which are threatened and rare. Both parks are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and today their principal features are space, tranquility and unspoilt nature.
The “Friends of Bushy and Home Parks” is a charity dedicated to the protection, conservation, improvement and increased appreciation of the parks.
We are composed entirely of members, many of whom are volunteers. We have no employed and full-time staff. We work with The Royal Parks’ and with Historic Royal Palaces’ management teams to achieve our aims.
If you have never been to Bushy Park or Home Park, then you might want to start at the Visitor Centre to find out from our volunteers about these two fascinating parks.
For details of all our scheduled Walks and Talks:
CLICK HERE
Catch-up on our previous Walks and Talks with our on-line resources
For details of all our Walks and Talks Resources including Videos:
CLICK HERE
Get creative and capture your favourite aspect of our local historic royal parks.
Friends of Bushy and Home Parks is delighted to announce the launch of its first Park Art Competition. Supported by Landmark Art Centre, the competition is open to any amateur artist from seven years old and upwards. The aim is to showcase the most “Inspiring Elements” of either Bushy or Home Park that will encourage others to explore and respect the beauty of the Parks.
The Friends ask visitors to “Help Nature Thrive”, by appreciating and observing wildlife in their natural habitat in the parks, rather than seeking an up close and person experience. There are many different types of wildlife, ancient trees, botanical rarities, amphibians, rare insects and fascinating birds. These two parks are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We encourage you to enjoy the parks as wild places.
If you love the parks why not join the Friends or donate so that you can support their conservation for future generations?
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Goosander
Redwing
Kestrel
Mistle Thrush
Little Egret
Instead, to reflect the original roots of this day out, we are encouraging visitors to bring and enjoy a picnic in the park on Chestnut Sunday. Apart from the wonderful park itself, we will have some added attractions for everyone.