Be Explorers Trail – Discover Richmond's Wild Side This Summer!
Embark on a wild adventure in Richmond upon Thames with our Be Explorers wildlife trail! From 19th July to 25th August, follow the trail map and discover the beautiful wildlife throughout the town. Don’t worry if you didn’t find all the animals - it’s all about having fun exploring!
Wander through Richmond’s stunning scenery, from riverside paths to leafy green spaces, and keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife along the way. Once you’ve spotted all the creatures, scan the QR code on your trail map and upload a photo of your completed map to our website for the chance to win a fantastic £100 voucher to Cocotte! You will be given exclusive access to a free printable activity booklet, perfect for keeping little explorers busy at home.
Once you’ve finished the trail, you'll head to Hotel Chocolat to collect your very own **Be Explorers 'Little Explorer sticker' and a FREE mini ice cream as a reward for completing the adventure! Don’t forget to share a photo of your experience and tag Be Richmond on socials to spread the joy.
Join us this Summer, for a fantastic, free activity for families, offering a fun way to explore Richmond over the Summer Holidays.
** whilst stocks last.
Download the trail map below or find a physical map at the Visit Richmond kiosk at Richmond train station to start your adventure!
Explore Responsibly: Respecting Wildlife in Richmond Park and Other Areas
One of the highlights of the trail is the magnificent Richmond Park – the largest of the Royal Parks and a haven for wildlife. Covering 2,500 acres, Richmond Park offers a unique blend of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, ancient trees, and acid grasslands – a habitat that is becoming increasingly rare across the country and is a priority for conservation. It also boasts the largest expanse of lowland acid grassland in London. Due to this and its 1,000 veteran trees, the park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Area of Conservation, and a Site of Special Importance for Nature Conservation.
To help protect the animals and habitats you’ll discover:
- Please don’t approach or feed the wildlife, as they need their space.
- Stay at least 50 metres away from the deer to keep them happy and healthy.
- Foraging isn’t allowed, so the plants and trees can stay protected.
- Designated skylark protection zones within Richmond and Bushy Parks signify a concerted effort to preserve their dwindling numbers. Visitors are encouraged to observe these areas with respect, keeping dogs on leads and sticking to specified paths to prevent disturbing the skylarks' ground nests. These actions are essential in providing the skylarks a sanctuary to feed, nest, and thrive, ensuring the continuation of their iconic song across the parks.
These simple steps help ensure Richmond’s unique biodiversity continues to flourish — and that everyone can enjoy Richmond Park and surrounding areas safely and responsibly for generations to come. Thanks for helping us look after this beautiful place!