As both a Site of Special Interest and of Conservation, Richmond Park has long since been a place of natural harmony. But due to COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns, footfall has “doubled”, bringing with it a threat to this balance. 

“Without urgent action, [the Skylark] may be lost from the park forever.” Simon Richard’s (the Manager of Richmond Park) words will resonate with all Richmond Park lovers; our love of this park is endangering the Skylark. 

As the largest Royal Park, Richmond Park has served as a beacon of nature, especially as people have sought to maintain their mental and physical wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same is true of the Skylark. Growing urbanisation across London has led to the loss of wildlife, giving Richmond Park “one of the few remaining populations of Skylark in London”, in the words of Simon Richards. 

Whilst “Skylarks are still present in large numbers in the UK [,] changes in farming practices have caused their numbers to plummet alarmingly”, stated Nigel Jackman, Chair of the Richmond Park Bird Group. The departure of this “iconic species” from the park will not only bring a “profound sense of loss” but may be part of this bird’s departure from the UK as a whole. 

Skylarks are small birds, famous for their spectacular flights, in which they fly vertically upwards - singing - before gliding to the ground. But it is their status as ground-nesting birds that makes them vulnerable. 

The increased number of people visiting Richmond Park, coupled with social distancing requirements and “extremely muddy” paths have “caused people to walk in the wild areas, where the Skylarks nest, creating new paths, as well as disturbing the birds”, described Richard Gray, Trustee of the Friends of Richmond Park. This change in activity not only last year but over the past decade has destroyed nests and led to a fall in the number of breeding pairs, with only 18 pairs observed trying to breed last year. 

As with all wildlife in the park, the Skylarks play an important role in the ecosystem: as prey for birds of prey (encouraging these rare birds into the park), predators of insects and distributors of seeds. 

With the Skylark’s population decreasing, this balance within the ecosystem may come under threat. 

Whilst it is impossible to predict how Skylarks will be affected this year, having entered another breeding season this March, the solution is simple: follow designated paths and heed the warning signs placed on the perimeter of Skylark nesting areas. By following this advice, you can help lessen the threat to one of the last remaining Skylark populations in London. And, in doing so, maintain Richmond Park as a beacon of nature within the hustle and bustle of the city.