BUSHY PARK EXTREME WEATHER WARNING

Visitor safety guidance

• Bushy Park playground will be closed on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June
• Swimming is prohibited in any lakes, ponds or bodies of water throughout the park
• Cafés and refreshment kiosks are likely to be busier during the cooler parts of the day, particularly in the mornings and evenings
• Increased travel by car means that car parks are likely to be busier, particularly during the cooler times of day. Please allow extra time for your visit and be mindful of other park users.

The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for London, covering all parks and green spaces.

The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday 24 June until 9pm on Thursday 25 June.

During this period of high temperatures, the Park  has issued an urgent ‘care alert’ to all park visitors, reminding them to stay in the shade, stay out of the water and refrain from having BBQs in the parks which could easily start the spread of wildfires.

Large numbers of visitors are expected in the parks, especially later in to the evening as they seek shade and respite from the heat.

“We urge that all visitors follow our guidance for their own safety and the safety of other park users around them.”

Visitors are reminded that:

• BBQs and open fires are strictly prohibited in all park
• Cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and disposed of safely
• Litter, especially glass, must be placed in bins or taken home if bins are full (glass bottles can focus sunlight and ignite fires)
• Water is available at fountains throughout all parks and green spaces, and visitors should travel with reusable bottles to stay hydrated
• Swimming in any lake or waterbody within the Royal Parks is forbidden apart from in the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park during designated public swimming sessions.