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Home , Albertopolis, Albert Memorial, Brompton Cemetery, Elfin Oak, Gorilla (sculpture), Kensington Gardens

KENSINGTON GARDENS MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016 1. Buck Hill Gate Lodge. 4. Swans on refuge island in . 6. Little owl. 10. Fascinated park visitors. 2. statue. 5. Gardens Allotments. 7. Cettis warbler. 11. Waterfowl. 3. Serpentine Sackler Gallery. 8. Nuthatch. 12. Waterfowl. 9. Starling. 13. Physical Energy statue.

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3. 5. 9. 13. 14. Speke monument. 18. Large skipper butterfly. 22. Arch to 25. Italian Gardens cafe. , Front Walk vista. 15. Speckled wood butterfly. 19. Small blue butterfly. 26. Essex skipper butterfly. 23. Small tortoiseshell butterfly. 16. Peacock butterfly. 20. Meadow brown butterfly. 27. Small skipper butterfly. 24. Gatekeeper butterfly. 17. Buck Hill. 21. Painted lady butterfly. 28. The Long Water, sanctuary area.

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17. 21. 28. 29. Short-winged conehead. 33. The Long Water. 35. Mount Walk bandstand. 39. Italian Gardens and cafe. 30. Six-spot burnet moth. 34. Habitat around veteran 36. Black tailed skimmer. 40. In the Leafyard. tree in the Quarters. 31. Grasshopper. 37. Common toad. 41. Young fox. 32. Roesel’s bushcricket. 38. Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Playground.

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32. 34. 38. 41. CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PHOTO CREDITS PART 1 PART 2 This document has been prepared from the Land Use CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES DESCRIPTION AND USE Consultants 2007 Draft by the Park Services team in Mark Zytinski: pages 101, 166–7 conjunction with the Park Management Team, namely; Jane Pelly (Head of Landscape), Lee Heykoop Maichal Panayi: pages 94, 114 (both), PREFACE (Horticultural Officer), Andy Williams (Park Manager) and 120, 122 (right), 123, 126–7 6 Process 48 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Theresa Short (Assistant Park Manager). This Kensington Gardens Management Plan has benefited from close involvement Mark Laing: pages 4–5, 25 (left) 7 Observations, comments and 48 Geology with specialists from within TRP, including Ian Rodger and Matt adoption of the plan 48 Topography Steinmann (Arboriculture); Julia Balfour and Claudia Watts Darren Williams: page 93 49 Soils (Ecology); Edward Strickland (Water Infrastructure); Caroline McDonagh (Buildings and Hardworks); Toni Assirati (Education Max Rush: all others throughout 8 INTRODUCTION 49 Hydrology and Drainage and Community Engagement); Colin Buttery (Director of document, except only numbers 1–5, 8 Royal Parks Context Parks and Deputy Chief Executive) and Dennis Clarke (Head 13,14 & 21 on photo sheets pages 2–4. 9 Risks 50 NATURAL FABRIC of Park Services – Senior Park Manager). The contents and Strategic Aims Trees and Ecology process of this management plan mark a new approach towards Tony Duckett: pages 119 (left), 95 (right) 9 50 articulating a more incisive and penetrating text. This has been and all on photo sheets pages 2– 4 12 Aims of the Management Plan 55 Grassland and Ecology helped, in addition, by the workshop participation of TRP Park (except 1–5, 13, 14, & 21) The Long Term Vision for Kensington Gardens 55 Horticultural Areas and Ecology Managers, the Director of Programmes, the Head of Landscape 13 Structure of the Management Plan Services, Project Sponsors, Head of Communications and the Sustainability Manager. Many thanks also to comments and 13 Methodology 57 BUILDINGS AND HARD LANDSCAPE FABRIC appraisal by Richard Flenley 57 Buildings and Main Structures The team would also like to thank the stakeholders – the 15 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 62 Monuments and Main Artefacts Friends groups, neighbours and interest groups – who have informed and contributed to the plan-making process. The draft 15 Prehistoric and Early History 64 Boundaries and Gates Plan was submitted for comment with key stakeholders and 15 Origins as the Gardens of a Royal Palace 65 Road and Path Network interest groups including , the Royal Borough 16 Timeline and Key Biographical Notes 66 Park Furniture and Signage of Kensington and Chelsea, the City Council, South The Nineteenth Century Parkland East Residents Association (SEBRA), the Kensington 23 Society, the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the 26 The Twentieth Century Parkland 68 EDUCATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and . Comments AND USER EXPERIENCE received have been considered by and, where 28 STRATEGIC POLICY CONTEXT 68 Education and Interpretation necessary, fed into this final draft. 28 National Designations and Policies 70 Engagement and outreach 30 Strategic Planning Context 70 Sports and Active Recreational Uses 31 Local Planning Context 71 Events and Entertainments GUIDANCE Development of plan content and process was guided by 72 Visitor Experience current best practice and by the expertise developed 34 GENERAL AND MANAGEMENT CONTEXT 72 Visitor Safety internally by TRP over the past few decades. 34 Location and Extent 73 y Pla Existing TRP Management Agreement With regard to content particular reference was made to 34 the Conservation Plan Guidance, Heritage Lottery Fund 2012 37 Park Management Structure and Management and Maintenance Plan Guidance, Heritage 37 Key Relationships, Partners and Volunteers Lottery Fund 2012. 37 Partnership working: Historic Royal Palaces Our approach to assessing heritage values and significance was 40 Landscape Maintenance guided by the methodology for assessment of significance set 40 Policing and Law Enforcement out in Conservation Principals, Policies and Guidance for the 40 Sustainability Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment, 2008 (Historic England). 41 Areas of the historic park not managed by the Royal Parks In assessing landscape condition, reference was made to the 41 Main Leases, Licences, Warrants and Concessions Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management Public Access & Assessment (2013), Guidelines for Landscape and Visual 42 Impact Assessment and An Approach to Landscape Character 42 Cycling Assessment - October 2014, Christine Tudor, Natural England. 43 Visitor Facilities 43 Visitor Profile 44 Events 45 Activities and Sports 45 Education, Engagement and Volunteering CONTENTS continued

PART 3 PART 4 PART 5 APPENDICES LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES IMPLEMENTATION FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS 76 SIGNIFICANCE OF 128 Vision and Strategic Management 151 MONITORING AND REVIEW 168 APPENDIX 1 KENSINGTON GARDENS 152 Implementation of the management plan 168 References & Gazetteer 76 Statement of Significance LANDSCAPE 152 Monitoring 79 Significance of the gardens as a whole 129 Historic Landscape 153 Review 170 APPENDIX II 80 Summary of Levels of Significance 129 Archaeology LONG DEFINITION OF TERMS 82 Condition 130 Landscape Character 154 THE PROJECT REGISTER 130 Horticultural Areas 171 APPENDIX III LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS 131 Shrubberies 85 BUCK HILL 131 Views 171 APPENDIX IV 88 THE QUEENSWAY BOUNDARY 134 Biodiversity Historic England List Entry & NORTH FLOWER WALK 135 Grassland 90 MARLBOROUGH GATE & 135 Trees and Tree Renewal THE ITALIAN GARDENS 137 Trees in Avenues 92 THE LONG WATER SANCTUARY 137 Parkland Trees (Quarters/Non Avenue Trees) 95 THE ROUND POND AND NORTH & SOUTH FEATHERS BUILT ENVIRONMENT 98 THE QUARTERS 138 Water infrastructure 101 TEMPLE QUARTER 139 Buildings and Main Structures 102 RYE GRASS QUARTER, CHESTNUT 140 Monuments and Main Artefacts QUARTER , STABLE QUARTER AND 141 Boundaries and Gates HORSE QUARTER 142 The routes – Road and Path network GLOSSARY 103 BAYSWATER QUARTER 142 Park Furniture BAP Biodiversity Action Plan 104 FIR QUARTER 143 Lighting DCMS Department of Culture Media and Sport 105 GRINDSTONE QUARTER 143 Education, and Interpretation DIANA PLAYGROUND Engagement and outreach Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground 106 BASIN WILDERNESS NORTH WEST 144 DSOs Departmental Strategic Objectives AND BASIN WILDERNESS SOUTH WEST 145 Sports and Active Recreational Uses ExCom Executive Committee QUARTER 145 Events and Entertainments FMC Facilities Maintenance Contractor 107 OLD POND WOOD QUARTER 146 Visitor Experience FSC Field Studies Council GiGL Greenspace Information for Greater 108 UPPER COLT QUARTER 147 Public Access GIS Geographical Information Systems 109 COLT QUARTER 147 Visitor Safety HAP Habitat Action Plan 110 COOMBES QUARTER 148 Visitor Circulation HRP Historic Royal Palaces LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan 111 MOUNT QUARTER 149 Visitor Facilities LM Landscape Maintenance 112 THE SOUTH FLOWER WALK 149 Control of Animals LMC Landscape Maintenance Contractor 114 THE DIAL WALK MPS Service NERC Natural Environment and Rural Communities 116 THE SOUTH WILDERNESS NVC National Vegetation Classification 118 THE OLD WILDERNESS AND PSA Public Service Agreement THE DIANA PLAYGROUND RBKC Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 120 THE BROAD WALK RBS Royal Botanic Society RPF Royal Parks Foundation 122 THE AND RCHME Royal Commission on Historic EAST & WEST Monuments in England 125 CHARACTER AREA: Kensington Palace SINC Site of Importance for Nature Conservation SMI Site of Metropolitan Importance CHARACTER AREA: Perk’s Field TRP The Royal Parks TRP OCU The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (Metropolitan Police) WCC WW1 World War One WWII World War Two PART 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 7 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

PREFACE PROCESS OBSERVATIONS, COMMENTS AND STATUS OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ADOPTION OF THE PLAN RELATIONSHIP TO THE OPERATIONS PLAN Working from the 2008 Management Plan (LUC), we aimed to improve this plan and The Management Plan will have been circulated The Management Plan has been prepared make it more relevant to TRP systems of for comment and observations to the following: within the context of The Royal Parks delivery and resource allocation, and to state Management Agreement (2012), the Royal Parks  Central Parks Wildlife Group definitite courses of action. To this end we have Corporate Plan 2013–16, with reference to all worked in targeted group sessions with our  Central Royal Parks Wildlife Group the various overarching strategic and policy internal specialists, who have all committed to documents affecting the management and  The Friends of Hyde Park this extra demand for their expertise. We have maintenance of the Gardens. The life of the and Kensington Gardens also applied a great deal of analytical thought plan is 10 years with a 5 year review. to the content, the structure, and precisions of  Historic Royal Palaces The Management Plan has been prepared statements made in this plan. in association with the annual Operations Plan.  Historic England We have held two targeted workshops to It provides the strategic direction for the long test our proposals with involved staff from Park  The Kensington Society term future of Kensington Gardens with overall Managers, internal specialists and programmes policies and specific aims articulated. The aims  Richard Flenley (retired consultant LUC) and projects. And the final draft is sent out to are taken forward and developed into specific our ‘critical friends’ so that their comments  The Royal Borough of Kensington objectives in the Operations Plan. will add by their knowledge and perspectives. and Chelsea (Area Planner) The annual Operations Plan is a separate, more succinct, plan, which captures principles,  Safer Parks Panel constraints, mode of delivery, and objectives for  South East Bayswater Residents Association delivery in that year of park management. The Operations Plan is reviewed annually  & Serpentine and draws significantly from this Management Sackler Galleries Plan. Both plans are complete as free standing  Park and Kensington Gardens documents and are submitted as part of the Cycle Reference Group Green Flag and Green Heritage applications. They are available on the Royal Parks website to  Westminster City Council inform external stakeholders and wider interest (Planning with parks remit) groups and raise public awareness of park management. Comments will have been returned in a single marked-up copy from each group of critical friends to TRP and then collated and considered. If accepted, the text of the Management Plan may be amended to include, or partially include their comments. The Park Management’s decisions about including/ excluding/partially including these comments are noted for feedback and available should the groups wish to know. Finally, the Landscape Portfolio Board will have approved and endorsed the plan. 8 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 9 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

INTRODUCTION ROYAL PARKS CONTEXT Kensington Gardens is the westernmost The relationship with TRP of both the Royal of the four connected inner London Royal Household and Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) has Kensington Gardens is one of the eight Royal Parks. It is distinct from and complementary been strengthened by collaborative working and Parks. The Royal Parks (TRP) has, since 1993, to its neighbour Hyde Park, of which it was this continues to build as an active partnership. managed the eight parks with delegated originally part. Kensington Gardens evolved powers as a Government as the private pleasure grounds of the Palace, (Department for Culture, Media and Sport RISKS a cultural foundation still perceived by visitors (DCMS)). This status is changing: ministers to the park today. The park has a verdant The Park Management Team annually review have agreed in principle to the organisation and genteel character created by the strong risk as part of its annual business planning becoming a public charitable corporation with formal framework of shady tree-lined avenues cycle. Throughout this management plan a Board of Trustees appointed by the Secretary and lawns, which largely correspond to the landscape risks and issues are not individually of State (DCMS) and the and 18th Century layout attributed to Charles explained. This is because the plan addresses with an ex-officio role from the Royal Household. Bridgeman. These qualities contrast with them by careful articulation of opportunities It is the expectation that the new status will be the more open and informal landscape of the and of all necessary aims, by consideration of achieved by the end of March 2017 subject to contiguous Hyde Park and tend to favour significance and condition, and by expressing the agreement of Parliament and the mainly quiet and informal activities, rather policies. In this way addressing risks, ultimately Commission. The new Board will set the than the more active, sporting and organised risks to achieving the park’s strategic aims, is strategic direction and oversee the management group activities associated with Hyde Park. built in to this plan’s approach. of the organisation. Within Kensington Gardens numerous well The Royal Parks comprise St. James’s Park, known and much loved features provide points The , Kensington Gardens, Hyde STRATEGIC AIMS of activity and focus, including the statue of Park and The Regent’s Park with Peter Pan, the Italian Gardens, the Round Pond, To deliver the vision, the strategic aims for in inner London with , Bushy the Serpentine Gallery, the Serpentine Sackler Kensington Gardens are set out below: Park and Park based around river Gallery, the Albert Memorial and the Diana palaces along the Thames in outer London.  Conserve, enhance and celebrate the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. The Royal Parks are unique both landscape quality and the pattern and spirit Kensington Gardens provide respite from individually and collectively and they are of the formal landscape, as one of the finest and a counterpart to the surrounding urban OUR PURPOSE important at the international level scale. and most fully executed, extant examples areas, which comprise the busy shopping They form an unequalled set of green spaces, of a Bridgeman landscape in England; while areas of and Kensington High offering Londoners and tourists and visitors giving full recognition to later additions, To manage the Royal Parks Street, a high residential population and a opportunities for tranquillity, recreation, particularly the Victorian set-pieces, as well large number of tourist attractions, including solitude, fresh air, colour and delight. as the underlying archaeological landscape. effectively and efficiently, the and Kensington Palace Individually they display a diversity of that lie on the park’s boundaries. The Gardens  Protect and enhance the refined, verdant, balancing the responsibility character and content; each has a particular were conceived and laid out as an adjunct to peaceful character of Kensington Gardens, and inspiring heritage value; and collectively to conserve and enhance the Kensington Palace with their occupation and recognising the value of the Gardens for they are, in the main, richer for their reworking use developing accordingly. The opening up quiet informal recreation in a heritage unique environments with and cumulative layers of history. All the Royal of the Gardens to full public access since 1837 context and seek, through sensitive Parks are Grade 1 Listed Historic Landscapes creative policies to encourage had been accompanied by a corresponding management, to deflect more active/ (except The Green Park, which is Grade II) and segregation and partial shrouding of the Palace boisterous uses which are at odds with this access and to increase contain many listed buildings and artefacts. for security and privacy of the residence. In character. Management should continue to They are greatly valued by the millions of recent years the landscape to the east of the respect and reinforce the differences opportunities for enjoyment visitors who use the parks each year. The parks Palace has reconnected with the Gardens, re- between the more active focus of Hyde are well endowed as major cultural attractions education, entertainment and establishing the meaning of the central vista. Park and the more restrained peaceful offering tranquil spaces of biodiversity and ambience of Kensington Gardens. healthy recreation.” beauty. 10 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 11 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

1. 3. Brompton 6. The Regent’s Park  Work in partnership with HRP to continue  Realise the full value of the Gardens as an London Borough Royal Borough of with Primrose Hill a cooperative approach towards an educational and community resource. of Richmond Upon Kensington Westminster City Council integrated interpretation of the Gardens Develop the audience of the park and Thames and Chelsea and Camden Council 6. and palace areas. Where changes are made, recognise the park’s value as a national 2. Richmond Park the opportunity will be used to aspire to tourist destination as well as a local park London Borough of high functionality, aesthetics and historical for surrounding communities. Ensure high Richmond Upon Thames sensitivity: in a way that aligns both the standards of cleanliness, visitor safety and 4. 5. 7. 8. organisations and enhances the relationship catering facilities. of Gardens and Palace.  Manage Kensington Gardens in an open 9.  Attain the high standards of environmentally and transparent manner, for and on behalf 3. sustainable management to help mitigate of its users and visitors. Seek to work in and adapt to climate issues including issues partnership with the wide range of interested 10. around energy, waste and water. stakeholders both within and external to the Gardens, including the Friends, Historic  Continue to develop the quality and Royal Palaces, the local authorities and the quantity of biodiversity of the Gardens’ Serpentine and Sackler Galleries, and ensure 4. Kensington Gardens 7. The Green Park 10. matrix of acid grassland, meadows, Westminster London Borough appropriate communication mechanisms are 8. St James’s Park understorey and scrub, shrubberies, trees, 2. City Council and Royal of Greenwich in place. Borough of Kensington 9. water and aquatic margins resources, and and Chelsea Westminster City Council wildlife refuge areas. Manage new and  Maintain to a high standard distinctive existing habitats for optimum nature cultural events for Kensington Gardens to 5. Hyde Park conservation value in line with local, regional host: the delivery of outstanding facilities Westminster and national biodiversity initiatives. Ensure for children as a celebration of childhood: 1. City Council high quality baseline information on which and opportunities that sensitively generate to base landscape management decisions revenue to sustain the long term management and monitor effects. and high quality landscape of Kensington Gardens.  Conserve and enhance the high quality infrastructure and buildings, monuments, artefacts and water bodies which are integral to the character of Kensington Gardens: and of the high quality horticultural areas, pursuing excellence in horticultural husbandry. 12 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 13 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Landscape Management Plan Hierarchy AIMS OF THE preparation, allocation and work programming the strategic national and local legislative MANAGEMENT PLAN as outlined in the (annual) operational plan. policies and of the overall management FORMAT Essentially, this management plan aims to: scope for the Gardens. The Management Plan:

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY  Declare the vision for Kensington Gardens 2. Description and Use and Character: this  Articulates the vision for the park, which Values – Principles External facing over the next 100 years which will clarify the is followed by an appraisal of its natural Vision – Mission Accessible directs strategic decision making in the ‘How’ we deliuver direction of the Gardens and develop long and built fabric and of activities, education ‘How’ we measure success park’s management. ‘W ... EXECUTIVE h do term aims in conserving and enhancing the and community activities that make up the o’ e SUMMARY we a hy’ w re... ‘ W  Sets the context for the conservation and essential character Gardens, and identification of opportunities External facing Accessible enhancement of the character of Kensington for these aspects.  Articulate the significance and condition CONSERVATION Gardens – noting the historical evolution, MANAGEMENT PLAN of the Gardens’ characteristics and 3. Landscape Character: describes key features Park ‘vision’ intrinsic and developed fabric and social Prioritised management aims ’ Internal facing o features; which will guide priorities and and characteristics, and articulates their Overarching policies by Park d External specialists to developments within the gardens. t Technical ‘W an requirements for investment; providing a significance and condition, identifying aims. ha e w t we at w Accessible do’. ‘Wh  Recognises, through the complexities of rationale for budget preparation, resourcing 4. Management Policies: notes overarching GREEN FLAG/ layered elements in the subdivision and work programming HERITAGE and specific policies. PARK BUSINESS PLAN of character areas, the significance of Strategic complimentary  Set policies against which conflicts of aims and objectives characteristics of the park and collates 5. Implementation: briefly describes the interest can be reviewed and resolved an assessment of their condition. mechanisms for monitoring and reviewing OPERATIONAL PLAN  Set values for proactive management in the policies and aims marked in this plan. Objectives to deliver aims l  i Provides a reasoned long-term framework a Milestone and measures t e response to changing circumstances d in to guide the management of the park ’ ‘W at Internal Sources and references for the management hen Wh ’ ‘Ho ho’ ‘ over the next 100 years, whilst prioritising  Provide a basis for monitoring w’ ‘W Functional plan are listed in Appendix 1. Monitoring opportunities, policies and aims for guiding implementation and progress DELIVERY short-term actions over the next ten years.  Guide future managers to ensure continuity METHODOLOGY The Kensington Gardens Management Plan  Review and re-evaluate the previous It is conventional in landscape management describes and evaluates the landscape of the Management Plan plans to progress through issues, in order to Gardens. The plan’s strategic and long term find opportunities; to then articulate aims nature sets out the vision for the park with The plan also aims to:- and policies. However this entails significant policies and aims to guide management. LONG TERM VISION  promote interest in the Gardens and repetition (which we wanted to avoid) since FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS The vision has been developed from a close encourage community involvement issues sit so close to their positive opposites understanding of the park; and expresses of opportunities and aims. We have chosen to overarching principles for guiding the many  provide a baseline and context for start the sequence for analysing management The one hundred year vision aspects of managing park life. The vision is individual studies which may need to be approaches therefore, with ‘opportunities’. stated in the introduction to the plan as a undertaken in resolving specific design, is to protect and enhance The management plan starts with the touchstone for reading the ensuing chapters. restoration, renewal or enhancement issues history of the Gardens establishing the Kensington Gardens’ rich Knowledge presented in the management heritage context, a perennial consideration plan informs significance of the Gardens and landscape heritage, its royal STRUCTURE OF THE in management decisions. Following this, identifies key management policies in order to MANAGEMENT PLAN the strategic context is outlined. This shows associations, its connections develop management aims. The final section constraints and protections within which park of the plan looks at implementation and The Plan is structured in five parts: with children, with wildlife management operates. monitoring of management actions. Section 4 follows, decribing the general and This information can then be used to 1. Context and Responsibilities: the plan seeks and with the creative culture management context giving a brief overview prepare detailed objectives and specifications to move logically from an understanding of TRP’s organisation as it pertains to park of arts. for management, and to allow budget of the history of Kensington Gardens, of 14 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 15 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Plan, Process and Delivery: Part 1 management, stakeholder relationships, and Plan, Process and Delivery: Part 1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT A detailed analysis of the history and evolution outward facing elements of park life. of Kensington Gardens is contained in the LANDSCAPE STRATEGY A brief outline of the geology, topography, Head of Landscape lead National / Regional Royal Parks Historical Survey – Kensington Policies / Strategies & soils and hydrology – the hard matter for the Guidance documents Gardens (Land Use Consultants, 1982). This ‘best practice’ living species of the park – preceeds broad section presents a synopsis of the historic

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Y descriptions of the main living elements of E context that identifies the key historical A TRP R Policies / Strategies R the park in Section 6. By the end of section 7’s E Guidance documents aspects of park development as context to V IE description of the buildings and main structures Supporting W current management initiatives. The section external experts of the park and section 8’s description of the CONSERVATION begins with a brief timeline of prominent MANAGEMENT PLAN park’s interface with its visiting public, all the Park Manager lead 1689 interventions in the park’s development plus

elements that make up the park have been KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION short biographical introductions to the main TRP specialists Condition assessments – outlined. Arb / Ecology / Comm’s Quadrennials / Tree surveys protagonists. Community & Education RoSPA / Habitat surveys / At this juncture, the significance of the Sustainability / Landscape Landscape condition Works, Projects, Water W Gardens is evaluated. Significance and its IE V RE PREHISTORIC AND EARLY HISTORY R meaning as understood by Historic England EA Critical friends 0 Y 1 and experts 1690 (and as adopted by other organisations) is CONSERVATION Kensington Gardens occupies part of the shallow MANAGEMENT PLAN expanded upon. The readers’ understanding of DRAFT valley formed by the Westbourne River. The main

significance is then drawn into the subsequent Key extent of Kensington Gardens was originally Stakeholders TRP landscape character section. This section moves Peer Review part of Hyde Park and for the greatest part in for a close focus on areas of the park; these they share the same origins. Hyde Park was CONSERVATION Landscape are differentiated not only by appearance, but MANAGEMENT PLAN Portfolio Board 1701 agricultural land that was granted to Geoffrey in their requirements for different management FINAL de Mandeville by William the Conqueror in the

techniques. This section develops for each Plan, Process and Delivery: Part 2 11th Century. De Mandeville bequeathed the character area, from a description, through to land to and in 1536 Henry an articulation of significance and condition, Plan, Process and Delivery: Part 1 VIII obtained the land by compulsory exchange to specific aims. All of these aims have been and enclosed it as a Deer Park. CONSERVATION 1704 drawn together into a table from which the MANAGEMENT PLAN IEW REV FINAL Park Manager has worked up his Project List AR YE for 2016-2021, included at the end of the plan in 5 ORIGINS AS THE GARDENS Landscape Green Flag/ Team Heritage Section 13. Submission OF A ROYAL PALACE The more overarching park elements that OPERATIONAL In 1689 King William III and Queen Mary have been described in earlier sections 6,7 and PLAN 1726 Park Manager lead EVIEW decided to establish a Royal Residence on L R 8 are returned to again in section 11, this time UA N N the grounds of Nottingham House (which A Park Business Plan Park to set out policies that the park management Park Manager lead Management Team was immediately adjacent to the western adopts. boundary of the original Hyde Park), The plan ends with sections on how the LMC FMC PAL / Corporate believing the location to be favourably close intended management actions that have been Project funding Sponsorship 1730 to Westminster but sufficiently distant from stated through the document are implemented Works Grant funding the polluted air which aggravated the King’s and reviewed. DELIVERY asthma. The ‘Route du Roi’ (corrupted to Major Projects Volunteering become known as Rotten Row) was built Landscape cyclical Core activity maintenance fund Staff time Personal through Hyde Park to link the Palace to Development Plans 1871 Westminster. Sir Christopher Wren enlarged the residence, which became known as Evolution of Boundaries Kensington House, and later Kensington Palace. 16 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 17 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

English landscape design was, at this time, the next expansion ten years later in 1701 of a undergoing rapid transformations which significant portion of what was the north west are mirrored in the evolution of Kensington of Hyde Park, now taken into the Royal Gardens. Gardens. Some of the most influential Queen Anne’s influence was marked first in practitioners of the English Landscape 1702-03 by changes to the formal design of Dial Movement who were involved in this process, Walk to the South Garden of Kensington shaped the development of the Gardens; George Palace to which she ordered all box hedging London and Henry Wise, Sir John Vanbrugh, to be removed and replaced by ‘an English , William Kent. model’. Later in 1705/6 a magnificent new The gardens were initially laid out by George summerhouse was made to Wren’s design to London and Henry Wise for King William provide a visual termination at the south end and Queen Mary, using a formal Dutch style, of the Dial Walk (Queen Anne’s Alcove was reputedly with clipped yews, holly, and re-located in 1867 to its present position close to fantastic topiary creations, the area of greatest Marlborough Gate). activity being to the south of the house. By 1691, In 1704–05 Wise was directed to work his according to Gibson’s account, two years after design that transformed the thirty acres of William and Mary’s move to Kensington House, gravel pits to the north of the Palace into a much of the, albeit unexceptional garden formal wilderness garden. A sunken garden scheme, had been laid out. Already a further was mirrored by an adjacent mock ‘Mount’. four or five acres had been appropriated from The garden comprised four main Hyde Park to enlarge the garden.1 Wise’s work rectangular sections subdivided by right-angled continued with formal geometric planting in The formal layout of the Gardens in the early Eighteenth Century, from a plate in Nouveau Theatre da la Grand Bretagne (publ. 1724) 1 From LUC Historical Survey of Kensington Gardens, 1982, page 7

Timeline 1689 William & Mary George London (1640–1714)

The gardens to Nottingham House The reign of William (1689-1702) From 1675 working for Bishop London’s designs added variety to expand, taking parcels of Hyde Park & Mary (1689-1694) followed the Compton at Palace, formally terraced parterres on his into the Royal Gardens: Dial Walk Restoration period in a diametrically encountering new plant introductions clients’ estates with informal tree formal garden created, designed by opposed style, both in politics and arriving from America, London’s planting and wilderness gardens. London and Wise in the conduct of their lives: the career developed as garden designer With many prestigious clients all latter a clean-living and domestic life, and nursery owner of Brompton over England, and in partnership with evidenced in their style of furnishings Park Nursery. Having reciprocal Henry Wise. He became Deputy and gardens. William and Mary have admiration for John Evelyn, Superintendent of the royal gardens. been credited (John Keats, 2015 p. 53) with reviving a love of garden-making in England from the example they set at gardens at Hampton Court and Kensington Gardens. 18 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 19 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

and diagonal paths. Wise’s mount was ‘formed’ A recent archaeological watching brief in not by earthworks but by a controlled gradation 2000 was initiated after roots of a horse chestnut of trees and shrubs that rose from the edges to tree exposed some built subterranean works, the centre. The Orangery originated from this which are suggestive of an ice house, to the west time and is still in use today. A further 100 acres of the Broad Walk, just south of the Orangery. were appropriated from Hyde Park by Queen It is thought that this was a C18 construction, Anne in 1705 for use as a deer and antelope which, conjecturally, may have been part of the Paddock. works undertaken for George I or George II and George I’s attention was largely focused Queen Caroline. on enlarging Kensington Palace 1718-1725. In Vanbrugh died in March 1726 and his 1725 the location of alternative water supplies successor, Charles Bridgeman, was appointed (in Hyde Park) released the square ‘basin’ in October 1726. When George I died in reservoir from its function of supplying water 1727, George II and Queen Caroline retained for Chelsea, and thus enabled the King to use Charles Bridgeman and commissioned further the Paddock with its water Basin to house his ambitious works. The authorship for the design menagerie. The Paddock now kept his exotic of the main scheme is not straightforward. animals, for instance, civet cats, tigers and a While Vanbrugh may have been involved in snailery, and, latterly, tortoises. The end of his generating this plan, the executed scheme reign is notable for a renewed focus on the appears to have evolved after his death.2 gardens, setting in motion an intense period of work, 1726 to 1735, initially under the direction of Sir John Vanbrugh. 2 From LUC 1982, page 13

Attributed to Charles Bridgeman, plan of Kensington Palace Gardens, pen and ink and coloured wash, c.1733. Reproduced from the archive of the Huntingdon Library, San Marino, California (ref. ST Map 147)

1702–05 Queen Anne (1702–14) 1704 Henry Wise (1653–1738) 1725

Dial Walk Queen Annes’ Alcove Sister of Mary, married to Prince The Orangery and Northern Worked up from apprentice to George I’s menagerie with Water All box hedging removed: refurbished Commissioned from Christopher George of Denmark (a heavy Wilderness (with Perk’s Field) partner (in 1694) with George Basin. Commissioned Vanbrugh. planting again in a tightly formal Wren, positioned at the southern drinker, died in 1708) was effectively included a sunken garden London. He was Royal Gardener symmetrical style. termination of Dial Walk. ruling monarch by herself,. during and mock Mount for Queen Anne and for George I, Land extensions and Bayswater a time of parliament’s increasing and became Superintendent of the House 100 acres taken from the west of authority. Anne’s cold relations with royal gardens in 1702. Hyde Park for Queen’s deer and her sister Mary did not hold her antelopes. back from removing the structural London and Wise’s 1706 book The hedging to the formal planting south Retir’d Gard’ner (a translation of of Kensington Palace, Dial Walk. Francois Gentil’s book) illustrates Despite 17 pregnancies, Anne had no serpentine walks and bosquets, an surviving heir. She was the last Stuart idea applied to Kensington Gardens. monarch. 20 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 21 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The timing of Bridgeman’s appointment extension of the Gardens until 1871. associated with William and Mary’s grounds, that these areas were tightly planted and were indicates that he may not have been responsible Wise was not included in the 1728 was probably undertaken as part of Bridgeman’s sown with understorey shrubbery, whereas the for the whole design. Instead, it seems probable re-commissioning which went solely to work in the Gardens from 1726 when the work further quarters were mainly open or with semi- that his role began with executing the designs Bridgeman. Extensive and ambitious works also commenced on the Round Pond. The Broad formal planting arrangements within. of others and, under the auspices of Queen followed that respected only the framework Walk makes a considerable descent (13m) from In 1730–32 the chain of five monastic Caroline, adapting and extending the layout. 3 laid down under George I.5 The menagerie was north to south, and part of Bridgeman’s work fishponds that had been formed in the shallow Following the 1726 extension of the disbanded and Kensington Gardens became a was to form the great plain on which the Round valley of the Westbourne stream, were planned Gardens, a significant incursion into Hyde garden once again. Walks were enlarged and Pond is sited. The landforms along and adjacent under George I to be joined to form a lake with Park, a high brick wall was built around the planted with lime espaliers; new winding walks to the Broad Walk show the extent to which this walks around. One of Bridgeman’s first tasks perimeter. The eastern side was altered a few were created in the wooded quarters with a was manipulated, with the stronger slope lying was to create this continuous water body of the years later when, between 1725 and 1731, the berceau or ‘walk of shade’ at the perimeter of to the south side of the central axis of the Palace. Long Water.6 three bastions were built commanding views the gardens. The formal gardens of the Dial The Round Pond with its massive associated The Temple Quarter was adapted by Kent in out across Hyde Park, and replacing George I’s Walk, south of the palace, in accordance with earthworks was constructed at this time in place 1734-35 to provide the Queen’s Temple in a new wall with a ha-ha. The ha-ha was built in three the fashion of , were subsequently of the smaller ‘tortoise pond’ and a substantial “Arcadian” setting – the Temple commanding straight sections of different lengths defining removed by Bridgeman and laid to in 1728 tree-planting scheme was commenced with the a gentle knoll to provide an open view across the eastern boundary and extending across the with grass terraces and a formal avenue of trees laying out of the formal avenues and quarters. this informal scene and down the long axis of Long Water on an embankment, since replaced and paths, with the south end of the garden Bridgeman framed the setting of the Round the Serpentine over the dam crossing, which by the Serpentine Bridge. The vertical inner more densely planted. The Wilderness garden Pond with the Great Bow (a double avenue was set at a lower level, making less of a visual face of the ha-ha was built in brick and stone, to the north of the palace was retained, although encircling the pond), with the formal grid of intervention, than the subsequent Serpentine and backed by an earthern bank: changes in trees were removed to create serpentine walks, trees (the “Feathers”) to north and south and Bridge. Illustrations indicate trees carefully angle of its boundary were accommodated while new woodland borders may have made the radiating formal avenues that form a patte grouped to provide informal framing of the view. by the three bastions. Small sections of the use of replanted trees. d’oie in front of the Palace. In the original layout It is likely that Kent also designed the ha-ha and bastions survive.4 These works, The formal avenues of the Broad Walk of the late 1720’s, the Quarters immediately revolving summerhouse on the Mount (near mostly under Bridgeman, although designed which had been the eastern limit of the original surrounding the avenues of the Great Bow were to Mount Walk gate). The Mount, built by by Vanbrugh, were part of the phase of lasting land associated with William and Mary’s which shown to be densely planted “wilderness” with Bridgeman in 1730–31 (and lasting until its structural work making use of the last land had been the eastern limit of the original land small serpentine paths – the indications being probably by 1784 7) from Bath stone like the

3 From LUC 1982, page 14 5 LUC 1982, page 13 6 From The National Archives, cited in the Kensington 4 RCHME 1994, page 13 Palace Conservation Plan: the Gardens (rev. 2014)

Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) George I (1714 – 27) 1726–31 1728 Queen Caroline (d.1737)

Architect and dramatist, politically sympathies embedded his house First Hanoverian monarch. Walled perimeter Bridgeman commissioned: extensive Married to George II (1727–60), active with a period as a French designs into their landscapes. The works followed with further land intelligent and beautiful, benefitted political prisoner, his style was ha-ha was his innovation, as was, The Gardens’ central area became Eastern perimeter converted acquisitions. from the educational influences to a ha-ha with three bastions. bold and became known as English at Castle Howard, inverting man’s a paddock for his exotic animals. of Queen Sophia Charlotte of baroque: Castle Howard his most imposition of order on nature, to Menagerie disbanded. Prussia. Surrounding herself with acclaimed work among many other designs showing geometrical order artists, writers and intellectuals, prestigious projects. His strident as Nature’s domain, Nature as Dial Walk formal plantings removed she embraced the arts, including architectural ideas and Palladian inherently ordered. and laid to lawn terraces with avenues. garden art.

Broad Walk avenue planted; substantial further avenue and Hyperlink to: berceau tree plantings. http://www.parksandgardens.org/places-and-people/ person/1414 22 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 23 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Temple, was a conical earth formation using expansive views, and to find a place to sit and Initial opening of the Gardens, which spoil taken from excavations most likely from the rest at the points farthest from the Palace.9 happened around this time, gave access only Serpentine, or from making the ha-ha. A spiral The energy of garden-making faded with to selected keyholding members of the public. path made the ascent up the Mount to the the death of Queen Caroline in 1737, and of Retaining some exclusivity from its origins as summerhouse, known as the Tower of the Winds.8 Bridgeman in 1738. After George II’s death the private gardens of Kensington Palace, public The Gardens thus demonstrate historical in 1760 Kensington Palace was no longer the access was established relatively late with transitions from the Baroque period with traces centre of court life; one outcome of this was the gardens being opened to the ‘respectable in the landscape and plan drawings of London that changes and improvements in the Gardens public’, initially controlled by doorkeepers, and Wise’s work; to the arcadian orchestration ceased for a period of around 50 years. The every day from the early nineteenth century of the Temple Quarter by William Kent, a Bridgemanic or Georgian, structure of the and retaining a strongly aristocratic visitor style that became one of the distinguishing Gardens remained extant, escaping further presence until the end of the 1930s. This is in characteristics of the eighteenth century English radical works. contrast to Hyde Park where public access was Bernard Lens the Younger, drawing of ‘the Mount’ and Landscape Movement. William Forsyth, Royal Gardener from 1784, established as early as the 1630’s. Summerhouse at Kensington Palace, 1736. Courtesy Other changes in this period were some planted considerable numbers of fruit trees Kensington & Chelsea Borough Library relatively minor alterations to the gardens around the Upper Wilderness. He produced THE NINETEENTH CENTURY PARKLAND of Bayswater House (acquired in the land two survey plans of the Gardens 1784-1787 extension of 1726; and the use of Bayswater which show the changes that had occurred, Kensington and Bayswater were areas of House as the ‘Breakfasting House’. The function mostly through losses. These include Wise’s salubrious growth, and pressure for public of these buildings clearly indicate the altered sunken garden, the serpentine walks in the accessibility to the Gardens produced the status and use of the landscape as transformed Wilderness, the revolving summer house dismantling of the surrounding wall and by Queen Caroline, from an animal-oriented (the Mount itself was removed later in 1836) its replacement with iron railings, the north paddock to a cultivated garden to walk in or and Bayswater House and Garden with the boundary being completed mid-century. The meander through, a landscape in which to land re-incorporated within the Gardens. South Bastion (now an area of Hyde Park) was discover secluded corners or come upon dismantled by this time also. As the nineteenth century progressed more visitor facilities were added. Drinking fountains, toilets, seating, and 7 RCHME 1994, page 20 9 LUC 1982, page 14 8 From Kensington Palace Conservation Plan in 1855, a refreshment room were introduced. (rev. 2014), page 29: and from LUC 1982 Appendix 3 Sunday band playing was short lived: royal

1730–32 Charles Bridgeman 1734–35 William Kent (1685–1748) 1760

Major earthworks to Dial Walk Charles Bridgeman (appointed His work is characterised as ‘formal, Queen Caroline’s Temple Predominantly a leading visual artist Death of George II for Round Pond construction 1726, royal gardener from 1728–38): transitional and progressive’: and the Temple Quarter. whose works in and Kensington Palace ceased to English landscape designer, and a key formality in parterres, avenues and landscape design relied on others be monarch’s residence; and Long Water created from five influential figure in the evolution of orthogonal shapes; transitional in The Tower of the Winds to input the required technical Gardens subject to no further linking fishponds. the . His mounts, lawns, garden buildings and revolving summerhouse on knowledge. He is best known for major changes. irregular cabinets and plantings; friendships that included leading the Mount. making his English work of and in The Mount constructed architects, artists and, progressive progressive in ha-has, rides and walks picturesque landscapes, influenced thinkers were influential to his work.. for unfolding views. from his tour of Italian architecture From The Oxford Companion and of painters Salvator Rosa and to Gardens, 1986. Claude Lorrain. From The Oxford Companion to Gardens, 1986. 24 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 25 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

permission allowed it initially for one year in a tongue of land carrying the western section of constructed along Bayswater Road severing the 1855; beyond which the bandstand erected in the Route du Roi (Rotten Row) extending from Westbourne River from the Long Water and 1869 lasted until it was removed to Hyde Park Hyde Park, and adjacent to the South Flower diverting the sewerage east. The sewerage in 1886; before finally the present Bandstand Walk that had been created in 1843 in the problem was not finally resolved until the addition was located near the Round Pond in 1931. Other location of Bridgeman’s perimeter walk10, was of the Ranelagh storm sewer in 1874. activities such as horse riding were not allowed used for the building of the Albert Memorial, a However the diversion works affected the in the Gardens except for the year of the Great strong Victorian expression within the mainly water supply. The St Agnes Well, originally Exhibition in 1860 when it was excluded from 18th century framework. located just East of the Italian Gardens in front Hyde Park. Social pursuits in the Gardens The Italian Fountains (now known of a curved stone bench), dried up and so a new have been, historically, relatively subdued and as the Italian Gardens) were built in 1861 “St Agnes Well” was constructed in a location contained. (comprehensively restored in 2011) at the head now directly in front of the Engine House in In response to increased public accessibility, of the Long Water, to designs of Banks and the Italian gardens. This well was originally to Pump House, Italian Gardens privacy was increased around the Palace, with Barry; with the marble fountain, Tazza fountain provide water to local residents, but was railings and gates erected along the south front of and balustrade by John Thomas. The history deepened and adapted to provide water to the the Palace creating a divide between the (private) behind the development of this major feature of Long Water and new steam beam engines in the palace and (public) gardens. Separate identities the park is intriguing. Engine house from 1860 pumped water up from were created for the Palace gardens, and events Visitors to The in 1851 had this well to the Long Water and on up to the in the main Gardens were kept low-key. complained of the stink from the Serpentine Round Pond. A mains water supply was added A continuing decline of tree stock, a growing and by 1859, the condition of the Long Water in 1868 but decommissioned twenty years later network of footpaths, and the introduction had further deteriorated due to sewerage due to being insufficient. Ground water from of sheep grazing, brought a loosening to the content entering from the Westbourne. Thomas wells in St James’s Park was subsequently clarity of the ‘Bridgemanic’ layout and the Hawksley designed filter beds to solve the pumped to the Italian Gardens until in 1998 identity of the Gardens became less distinctive. sewerage problem but Parliament objected to a new borehole, 85 metres deep, close to the Additionally, the Victorian era also made its his scheme and the filter beds were converted in original St. Agnes Well was installed. mark. Statues and monuments were added; 1860 into the Italian Garden basins we now know. The Engine House building, designed by Speke (1866) and Physical Energy (1907), both At the same time the (Mid Level 1) sewer was Banks and Barry modifying an earlier one by located at points of intersection of the avenues. Hawkesley, once contained a steam engine that A further acquisition of land from Hyde would operate the fountains. The pillar on the Park in 1870, an area that was formerly part of 10 RCHME 1994, page 20 roof is a cleverly disguised chimney. A stoker

William Forsyth 1784 1790s 1800–50 1861

Appointed Superintendant of from 1771, during which time he Upper Wilderness Gardens open to Greater public access Italian Fountains the Royal Gardens at Kensington instigated considerable re-planting fruit tree planting. key-holding members and visitor facilities added. Palace and St James’s Palace in 1779. and exchange of seeds and plants Addition from Hyde Park of section Scottish horticulturist and author internationally. He was a founder of of Route du Roi and small fragments of the very successful Treatise The Royal Horticultural Society in on the eastern side, including on the Culture and Management 1804; the genus Forsythia is named The Magazine. of Fruit-Trees (1802). He was the in his honour. Curator of

Hyperlink to: http://www.scottish-places.info/people/famous- first1933.html 26 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 27 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

would be employed all Saturday night to keep The First World War saw Kensington Palace Dutch Elm Disease in the 1950s and 1970s, the park beyond. Sixty four trees, mostly the engine running and pump water into the Gardens being turned to allotments; and a and storm damage in 1987 and 1990 was immature, that obstructed this connection were Round Pond, to ensure that on Sundays there school of camouflage (a new technique) was responsible for substantial loss of avenue removed (more tree planting was undertaken was enough head of water to run the fountains set up on Buck Hill. During the Second World trees. A further decline of landscape structure in the wilderness to the south of Dial Walk). without the engine working. War the aristocratic ambience of the Gardens was exacerbated by a deliberate weakening The renewed Palace Lawn, a contemporary layer, changed. The Gardens housed air raid shelters of the formal layout of avenues and quarters gives an outward facing aspect to the gardens. to the north of the palace on the Playground during the 1960s, such that the 1994 RCHME Simultaneous with the garden refurbishment THE TWENTIETH CENTURY PARKLAND and on Wise’s Mount Quarters; and south of reported that only the framework of the avenue undertaken by HRP was that of the Round the palace on the Dials Quarter. There were structure survived and the individual character Pond and its Feathers by TRP. This restored the Kensington Gardens has continued to evolve extensive ‘Dig for Victory’ allotments on both of the quarters had disappeared12. An ongoing Round Pond’s edge treatment to its original partly in response to public use. Of the more Albert Lawns, in the Horse Quarter to the strategy has now ensured that these original configuration, removed the central ‘runway significant changes, in 1916 the remaining north, to the west on Perk’s Field, with a small features, including the ‘Great Bow’ are restored. strip’ and replaced the north and south path north and middle bastions were buried (and allotment to the east edge of Buck Hill. Buck The death of Diana, Princess of Wales in from the Round Pond to the Broad Walk. subsequently partially re-exposed) and the ha- Hill became the site for training trenches and August 1997 resulted in increasing visitor use ha infilled in response to nefarious behaviours. a camouflage school. A quarry was established associated with the Palace, and particularly on In the early 1900s the now internationally on Buck Hill, probably for sand and gravel. the South Front/Dial Walk and more generally famous statue of Peter Pan (1912) was unveiled. As a deterrent to enemy aircraft several long on the Gardens. In the 1980’s Crowther Gate The author of Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie, ditches with earth spoil mounded were dug was moved and installed with replacement contributed to the cost of a playground to the strategically where large flat open spaces ornate railings, which became a focus for floral north of the Palace, so establishing Kensington presented a vulnerability to enemy aircraft tributes following the death of Princess Diana. Gardens’ strong association with children. landings. Ground surveys evidence a number The major refurbishment project to the East Additional features and facilities were provided of bomb craters in the Gardens. Post war, these Gardens of the Palace, completed in 2012, as a result of the Lansbury appeal in 1929-30 temporary functions were remedied, though the re-connected the Palace and Kensington Gardens. including the and a sandpit in the 1993 archaeological ground survey was able to The design aimed to follow early C18 principles playground. The most recent change has been identify locations. 11 of a series of gardens around the Palace that the redesign of the playground as the Princess relate to and connect with each other and to of Wales Diana Memorial Playground (2000), one of several memorials to Princess Diana in the Royal Parks. 11 RCHME 1994, pages 38 – 50 12 RCHME 1994, page 9

1872 1909 JM Barrie (1860–1937) 1914–18 1916 2000

Albert Memorial Playground and A Scottish playwright whose best WWI North and middle Diana Playground ‘Time Flies’ clock tower known work is Peter Pan. Strongly Camouflage School bastions buried associated with Kensington Gardens, which was where he met the Llewelyn family for whose boys the story of was developed, Barrie arranged for the Peter Pan to be erected secretly overnight for May Morning in 1912. He contributed to the cost of the playground, on the site of what is now the Diana Playground.

28 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 29 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

STRATEGIC POLICY This section describes the key national, regional As a public body, TRP is required to give due Listed Buildings: Kensington Gardens and local designations, policies and strategies consideration to the aims of the WFD in any contains a number of listed buildings and CONTEXT relating to Kensington Gardens which provide works they carry out that may impact on water monuments (including the Albert Memorial, the strategic policy framework for the bodies; . Proposed works must be assessed which is Grade 1). The Gardens provide the management of the Gardens. to ensure that the requirements of the WFD setting for Kensington Palace, which is a The large number of strategic, policy and are met i.e. that the proposed modification: i) Grade 1 listed building. report documents which inform and direct does not deteriorate water body status (‘no management are listed in Appendix 1. These deterioration’); ii) will not compromise the The full list is provided below: documents are continuously reviewed and successful implementation of improvement Name Grade updated to ensure they respond to changing measures; and iii) that WFD objectives will Elfin Oak II needs, comply with latest legislation and set still be achieved. Edward Jenner II targets in accordance with the DCMS Agreement.  Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Speke Memorial II Areas Act 1979: and 2010 to 2015 Policy Albert Memorial I Paper (DCMS) Conservation of Historic Physical Energy II NATIONAL DESIGNATIONS AND POLICIES Buildings and Monuments: (updated May Peter Pan II* TRP has statutory duties with regard to the 2015) TRP is obligated to put in place Two Bears Drinking Fountain II following: measures to protect and conserve its buildings, Queen Anne’s Alcove II*  NERC Act 2006 Part 3 S.40: “Every public monuments, sites and landscapes of historic Queen Caroline’s Temple II authority must, in exercising its functions, have interest and to regulate operations or Queen’s Gate and Lodge II regard, so far as is consistent with the proper activities affecting them. Coalbrookdale Gate II exercise of those functions, to the purpose of Italian Gardens and Pavilion Historic Park and Gardens Register: conserving biodiversity.” (=Pump House) II Kensington Gardens is listed on Historic Thimble Shelters II  Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of as amended), particularly in relation to Special Historic Interest. It is categorised as The RCHME Archaeological Survey management that may affect protected species. Grade 1 entry (registered 1987); that is, of There are numerous entries listed on the exceptional historic interest.  Water Framework Directive 2000: National Monuments Record (Kensington The WFD became part of UK Law in 2003 Conservation Area: The entire park is Gardens and Hyde Park), including part of a and requires all water bodies to reach designated as a Conservation Area, with medieval field system, sites of ponds, moat, “Good Ecological Status” (GES) or for relevant policies in the Core Strategies gravel pits, specific features such as the Long artificial or heavily modified water bodies for The Royal Borough of Kensington and Water and a series of Second World War “Good Ecological Potential” (GEP) by 2015, Chelsea and the Council. Installations. 2021 or 2027 depending on feasibility. The By virtue of being a Conservation Area, all objective of GEP is similar to good status but the trees with the gardens are treated as if Historic England’s Archive takes into account the constraints imposed they have a Tree Preservation Order. (the former National Monuments Record): by social and/or economic uses. The This archive contains a variety of reports objective is to achieve GEP by 2027. and photographs available to buy. [click here to go to historicengland.org.uk] 30 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 31 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

STRATEGIC PLANNING CONTEXT 7.4 Local Character Open Land and sets the criteria for land LOCAL PLANNING CONTEXT Protection and enhancement of local character designated as MOL. Kensington Gardens is Local authority planning policy compliance, The National Planning Policy Framework13 including ‘visual, physical connection and identified as an MOL in local planning policies. given the extensive amount of treeworks Statements in the NPPF guide regional and natural features’ Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature and associated treework applications, has local planning policies. Two particularly Conservation: Under ‘Biodiversity and Nature necessitated that the Royal Parks prepares relevant clauses are quoted below: 7.5 Public Realm Conservation’, the Mayor identifies: advance programmes for proposed treeworks. ‘London’s public spaces should be secure, The Royal Parks are notified by respective 129. Local planning authorities should identify accessible, inclusive, connected, easy to Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature boroughs of any planning applications within and assess the particular significance of any understand and maintain, relate to local context, Conservation (SMIs), which, in addition to 0.5km of the park boundary. heritage and incorporate the highest quality design, internationally and nationally designated sites, asset that may be affected by a proposal landscaping, planting, street furniture and surfaces.’ includes land of strategic importance for nature Local Development Frameworks (including by development affecting the conservation and biodiversity across London. 7.8 Heritage Assets and Archaeology The statutory policies relating to Kensington setting of a heritage asset)taking account of the Kensington Gardens is identified as one of 140 ’London’s heritage assets and historic Gardens are contained within: available evidence and any necessary expertise. SMIs across London. It is recognised as one environment, including listed buildings, They should take this assessment into account of the largest and most important parks in the  The Royal Borough of Kensington and registered historic parks and gardens when considering the impact of a proposal on borough of Westminster City Council and Royal Chelsea Adopted Core Strategy (Dec 2010) and other natural and historic landscapes, a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. conservation areas, World Heritage Sites,  Westminster City Council between the heritage asset’s conservation and registered battlefields, scheduled monuments, Adopted Core Strategy (Jan 2011) any aspect of the proposal. The London Biodiversity Action Plan archaeological remains and memorials and Biodiversity Strategy Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) should be identified, so that the desirability 132. When considering the impact of a Kensington Gardens is identified asMetropolitan of sustaining and enhancing their significance The UK Biodiversity Action Plan sets out a proposed development on the significance of a Open Land (MOL). The overall policy is to and of utilising their positive role in place national strategy for wildlife conservation, designated heritage asset, great weight should resist development on Metropolitan Open Land shaping can be taken into account.’ based upon action plans for habitats and be given to the asset’s conservation. The more and protect and enhance its existing uses. For species. The London Biodiversity Action important the asset, the greater the weight Kensington Gardens the Core Strategy notes Planning (Listed Buildings and Plan ‘Our Green Capital’ was prepared by the should be. Significance can be harmed or lost the importance of the skyline of buildings Conservation Areas) Act 1990 London Biodiversity Partnership in 2001. They through alteration or destruction of the heritage around it and supports the proposals in the Applications for listed buildings or for have since then developed the Biodiversity asset or development within its setting. Royal Parks Review14 to preserve and enhance development that affects a listed building or Action Reporting System (BARS), a web based its special character. Specific Policies relating to its setting, are considered by the local planning information system to support the conservation Draft Further Alteration to Kensington Gardens are: authority with special regard to the desirability community. These initiatives encourage the the (2015) of preserving the building or its setting or any promotion of the management of land for  CL11: To require new buildings and The London Plan was adopted in July 2011 features of special architectural or historic biodiversity, for promoting education, collating extensions to existing buildings in the and provides the strategic planning policy interest which it possesses. Preservation in and distributing wildlife information and Royal Borough, which can be seen from context for London. Further revisions have this context means not harming the interest in exchanging information on best practice for Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, to be been made, the most recent being the draft the building, as opposed to keeping it utterly managing parks for wildlife. The London designed so not to exceed the general height FALP 2014. Chapter 7 of the plan describes unchanged. BAP sets out criteria for designating SMIs, the of buildings excluding post war blocks and policies for ‘London’s Living Places and Spaces’. top tier of nature conservation designation in to pay regard to the tree lines. The following provide extracts from policies in Within the plan Kensington Gardens is London, of which Kensington Gardens is one. Chapter 7 which are of are of particular designated as:  CL11: To ensure that new buildings do Implementation of the biodiversity strategy and relevance to the management of the Royal Parks: not impose themselves as an unsympathetic Metropolitan Open Land: Metropolitan Open action plans is being explored further through backcloth to Kensington Palace, particularly Land (MOL) designation is unique to London, TRP’s Biological Recording Project. when viewed from the east across the and protects strategically important open Round Pond. spaces within the built environment. The policy 13 NPPF 2012 recognises the importance of Metropolitan 32 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 33 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Kensington Gardens is Grade 1 listed on City of Westminster Local Biodiversity Action Plans the English Heritage Register. The entire The entire park within the Westminster City Local Biodiversity Action Plans have also been park within the Borough is designated, with Council is designated as a Conservation Area prepared for Westminster City Council (2008) the adjacent palace as Conservation Area 7: described as area 41: Royal Parks covering and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Kensington Palace. The RBKC Core Strategy Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, St. James’s Chelsea. (2010-2105). The WCC Biodiversity includes a number of policies directly Park, Green Park and Action Plan) includes a Local Biodiversity applicable to Kensington Gardens. Gardens. Westminster’s City Plans set Action Plan (LBAP) for Parkland. This out a series of general policies relating to states that the six central Royal Parks within  CL4 Heritage Assets seeks to preserve Conservation Areas that seek to maintain and Westminster cover nearly 17% of the total and enhance the character and appearance enhance the value of the park as open space. A area. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are of listed buildings, scheduled ancient Conservation Audit of all Conservation Areas considered to form a site of major scientific monuments and archaeology. in the city has been undertaken. A short leaflet interest. The Parkland LBAP states that “The  CL3 Heritage Assets aims protection has been prepared on the Royal Parks covering Royal Parks are the single most important reservoir towards Conservation Areas and historical background, listed buildings, key of wildlife within Westminster, and anything which historic spaces. features etc. Parts of the retained UDP policies enhances the biodiversity of this area will have a include policy ENV14 Trees and Shrubs positive impact on the whole city.”  Others include CR5 which expresses covering trees in conservation areas. Kensington Gardens contains a number of policies on parks, gardens and open Kensington Gardens is identified as Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats spaces; and CR6 with policies on trees and Metropolitan Open Land. Policy ENV 14 in and can help to achieve specific targets landscape. A Conservation Area Statement the UDP states that the City Council will associated with these BAP’s. has been prepared for Kensington Gardens, support the protection and enhancement of The 2007 update on the UK BAP lists of which identifies the characteristics that Metropolitan Open Land (the Royal Parks), priority species and habitats (prepared between contribute to the special nature of the and their settings including views from 1995–99) which remain important and valuable area and which guides for its preservation them. Permission will not be granted for reference sources, have been succeeded by and enhancement. developments that will harm views into or the ‘UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework’. out of the Royal Parks. Westminster’s City The Framework shows how the work of the There are a number of listed buildings and Plan indicates that the borough’s needs for four UK countries joins up with work at a UK monuments within the park in the RBKC. metropolitan and district parks are largely met level to achieve the ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ The council considers their preservation, by the Royal Parks. The plan notes that the and the aims of the EU biodiversity strategy. protection and maintenance of great Royal Parks are administered by TRP and the It identifies the activities required to importance and includes specific detailed City Council has no direct control over them. complement the country biodiversity strategies, policies. It refers to the need for regard to policy DES 12 and where work in the country strategies which sets out a criteria based policy in relation contributes to international obligations. Kensington Gardens (but not the palace to (a) development adjacent to open spaces and gardens) are identified in the Core Strategy (b) development on or under open spaces. as a Metropolitan Site of Nature Conservation Westminster’s City Plan: Strategic Policies Importance. (Nov 2013) replaces the Core Strategy (2011). Policy S11 Royal Parks, states explicit protection to not harm the parks ‘open landscape character; heritage value; nature conservation value; tranquillity; or value as a public open space’. 14 The Royal Parks Review chaired by Dame Jennifer Jenkins 1996 34 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 35 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

GENERAL AND LOCATION AND EXTENT by the Secretary of State (Culture, Media and Sport) and the Mayor of London. It is the Kensington Gardens covers an area of 98 MANAGEMENT expectation that the new status will be hectares (242 acres) in lying achieved by the end of March 2017 subject to CONTEXT within the borough of Westminster City Council the agreement of Parliament and the Charity and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Commission. The new Board will set the strategic Chelsea. To the east it is contiguous with Hyde direction and oversee the management of the Park and to the west bounded by private and organisation. enclosed garden areas of Kensington Palace, which, with the palace itself, are managed by Historic Royal Palaces. The north and south TRP Corporate Objectives as set out in boundaries are defined by the Bayswater The Royal Parks Management Agreement for Road to the north and and 2013–16: to the south. The extent of Kensington Gardens’ land  To conserve and enhance sustainably, for which is managed by the Royal Parks is the enjoyment of this and future generations, generally defined by enclosing railings/wall our world class natural and built historic which runs along Bayswater Road, down the environment and our biodiversity interface with Hyde Park alongside West  To engage with our visitors, stakeholders Carriage Drive, along Kensington Road from and partner organisations and understand Alexandra Gate to the Studio Gates and against their views the private and enclosed garden areas on the eastern front of Kensington Palace. The  To manage the parks efficiently and secure Gardens no longer include the field areas to investment in the parks’ assets and services the north of the palace which are managed by through an appropriate combination of and for the Royal Household: nor The Sunken government funding, commercial income Garden and Orangery Garden areas which are and philanthropy TRP PURPOSE now maintained by Historic Royal Palaces.  To be a centre of professional excellence Our purpose is to manage where people want to work EXISTING TRP MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT the Royal Parks effectively TRP is currently a Government Executive Agency and efficiently, balancing the of the Department for Culture Media and Sport responsibility to conserve (DCMS). It is however the expectation that it will become a charitable public corporation in and enhance these unique Spring 2017. TRP has a Management Agreement with DCMS which sets out TRP’s key objectives environments with creative and the financial framework within which the policies to encourage access Agency operates. Each year Key Performance Targets are agreed by Ministers and the TRP and to increase opportunities Advisory Board. Performance against these for enjoyment, education, KPTs is reported in TRP’s Annual Report. Ministers have agreed in principal to the entertainment and healthy organisation becoming a charitable public body recreation. with a Board comprising members appointed 36 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 37 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Our Values KEY RELATIONSHIPS, PARTNERS AND continues to meet to discuss both strategic and We will: VOLUNTEERS operational issues of mutual interest. Areas considered for discussion are arrangements  Treat everyone with honesty, fairness, The Park Management Team collaborate with for access across Kensington Gardens, future equality and respect and support the Hyde Park Management Team landscape developments, works, events, to address issues that affect both sites. Neither  Be open, collaborative and professional marketing and security matters. can work in isolation to each other noting the  Be proud of who we are, and strive for proximity and layout of both parks. excellence in all we do The Park Manager attends the AGM and all committee meetings of the Friends of Hyde Park LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE  Demonstrate integrity in our day-to-day and Kensington Gardens and the quarterly work, trusting and empowering each other Landscape Maintenance is undertaken by the meetings of the Safer Parks Panel providing appointed LMC working to the direction of the regular updates to the Chair of both groups. Park Manager, though in practice, day-to-day Additionally biannual updates are presented PARK MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE supervision of the LMC is undertaken by the at corporate stakeholder meetings. Assistant Park Manager The Park Manager reports through the Head The Park Manager supports the work of The scope of works is controlled by the LMC of Parks Services and Director of Parks, to TRP the Serpentine Galleries ensuring that this specification and identified in the CONFIRM Headquarters and the Executive Committee: important relationship is well managed. software. The contract includes grass cutting, and ultimately, to the Chief Executive of the The partnership with the Royal Parks horticultural services, litter collection, recycling, Royal Parks. Foundation provides access to funding and the sweeping and minor tree works. The contractor, The Park Manager is supported by the management of dedication schemes for both OCS, was awarded a seven year contract that Assistant Park Manager, a Playground Manager, trees and benches within the Gardens as well commenced in August 2014 with a possible three- a Technical Officer, and an Office Manager and as management support for volunteers. year extension option, due for review in 2021. Administrative Officer based in Hyde Park. The The Central Royal Parks Wildlife Group The LMC are not responsible for hardworks/ Park Manager, in conjunction with other staff as provides advice and guidance to Royal Parks’ facilities (i.e. items such as buildings, hard appropriate, oversee the works of the Landscape managers on aspects of nature conservation surfaces, footpaths and lighting) which are Maintenance Contractor (LMC) and the Facilities and biodiversity within the central Royal Parks. the subject of a separate contract and are Maintenance Contractor (FMC), and liaise with The group includes TRP Park and Assistant TRP VISION currently undertaken by Vinci Facilities, Licensees and Concessionaires, contractors, park Park Managers, members of the Ecology team, employed as Facilities Management Contractors users, event organisers etc. and the independent Wildlife Officers and external conservation (FMC). There are also a number of specialist bodies controlling adjacent land (e.g. HRP and and biodiversity officers from WCC and RBKC, contractors including the Nursery Contractor Our vision is to try to achieve the Royal Household). London Wildlife Trust and the Crown Estate as R.A. Meredith & Son (Nurseries) Ltd , toilet The Head of Education and Community well as individual subject specialists. the perfect balance, where attendant and cleaning contractor (Vinci) etc. Engagement for TRP, based in Kensington The Leaf Pen is a working facility that all understand and value the Gardens’ office, works with her team of Project processes green waste from Kensington Gardens, officers and Volunteer coordinator to develop, PARTNERSHIP WORKING: Hyde Park, The Green Park and St. James’s parks, where everyone finds deliver and oversee education and community HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES Park, and Victoria Tower projects throughout the parks. something in the parks for Gardens. The waste is processed under license The Park Manager can also call on the services Partnership working between The Royal Parks from the Environment Agency and is managed them, and where no one’s of Term Landscape Consultants and centralised and Historic Royal Palaces supporting the by the LMC. Material is distributed out to the Park Services (including Ecology, Arboriculture, potential for collaboration between the two enjoyment of the parks is at parks for use as soil ameliorant, mulch, or Horticulture, Sustainability and Landscape organisations over aspects of the management bulky organic top dressing to parkland areas the unacceptable expense of expertise). of Kensington Palace, its grounds and the in conjunction with deep aeration or spiking in The Park Management Team also have surrounding area of Kensington Gardens. amenity grassland areas. others, now or in the future. responsibility for managing Brompton Cemetery A joint working group chaired by TRP 38 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 39 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

BOUNDARIES PLAN

ROYAL BOROUGH OF WESTMINSTER KENSINGTON & CHELSEA CITY COUNCIL

BOUNDARY WITH KEY HYDE PARK

Under licence from The Royal Parks

Local Authority Boundaries

Historic Royal Palaces

Boundary with Hyde Park

40 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 41 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AREAS OF THE HISTORIC PARK NOT are responsible for repair and maintenance of Cycle tours MANAGED BY THE ROYAL PARKS the building, boundaries and garden area. TRP Guided cycle tours operate across central Kensington Gardens, like the other Royal receive an annual fee and additionally a fixed London. One route takes in the central Royal Parks, is policed by a dedicated unit of the The paddock area, Perks Field, immediately Turnover Fee payable annually. Parks with specific permission to use Kensington Metropolitan Police Service, which is based in north of Kensington Palace (including Henry Gardens making use of the shared use pedestrian the Royal Parks. There is a Memorandum of Wise’s Pit, the helicopter field and football Catering priority cycle routes. Understanding between the police and TRP pitch) although part of the historic extent of From December 2016 a catering concession will which sets out policing priorities in the estate. the Gardens, are not accessible to the general be licensed to Colicci. Four fixed cafe/kiosk public and are managed and maintained by PUBLIC ACCESS style outlets exist at the Albert Memorial, Broad the staff of the Royal Household. The gardens SUSTAINABILITY Walk, Italian Gardens and Palace Gate. The The park is open every day throughout the year associated with Kensington Palace, including concession also operates up to three mobile units. from 6.00a.m. until dusk; dusk being defined TRP is aware that the relationship of the park to The Orangery and Sunken Gardens are now as 15 minutes after sunset. The locking of gates the surrounding area raises wider sustainability managed by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). Public Conveniences is the responsibility of the locking contractor. issues, including the use of the park by vehicles The Duchess of Teck Garden was handed over Two public toilets adjacent to the Garden at There are five one-way turnstiles providing and access of visitors to and through the park. to HRP in October 2005. Queensway and Palace Gate, are operated by exits once the main gates are locked. In accordance with sustainability principles, a private company under a lease arrangement Public access on foot is unrestricted during TRP supports development of improved public MAIN LEASES, LICENCES, WARRANTS with Westminster City Council. Westminster open hours, in accordance with the Parks transport links to the park and a reduction in AND CONCESSIONS in turn have managed these sites under licence Regulations (the private gardens of residential vehicles through the park. from TRP since circa the 1930’s. lodges excepted). TRP will strive for high standards of The following leases, licenses and warrants environmentally sustainable park management. are in effect including some through which Gate Lodges Areas of the park from which the pubic are Since 2014 TRP has been re-accredited with areas of land or specific facilities are controlled Black Lion Lodge, Buckhill Lodge, Orme Square generally excluded are: the ISO 14001Environmental Management by bodies other than TRP or responsibility is Lodge (North) and Queen’s Gate Lodge are  The Leaf Pen Standard. This will include efforts to minimise shared. These include: under private lease for residential use. Orme  The Long Water and its fenced margins energy consumption and emissions, to reduce Square Lodge (South) is occupied by a former  The Round Pond waste through recycling practices, including The Serpentine Gallery staff member.  The Storeyard and other contractor composting and to pursue other opportunities The lease for the Serpentine Gallery is part way accommodation and yard areas for recycling including re-use of water. through a 20 year term from 2009–29. The lease Tours Application of chemicals will be minimised in covers the building, with the gallery being Controlled access areas are: Tour Guides International operate public tours compliance with good horticultural practice responsible for all maintenance and repairs and  The two playgrounds (accessible only to at the Albert Memorial on the first Sunday of and use of water resources will be judicious. the garden area, with the Royal Parks remaining children and carers) the month from March to December. Group TRP have recently employed a dedicated responsible for garden maintenance. The garden  The allotment (opens daily at 10am and tours are also available if booked in advance. Sustainability Manager and have developed the remains as part of the park and has full public closes just before park closing time) These tours run on a not-for-profit basis. TRP Sustainability Strategy 2016. The importance access. TRP receive an annual fee under the  The bandstand (accessible to organised of TRP in meeting wider sustainability objectives, current lease arrangements. groups for booked events) Skating for example in maintaining quality of urban The Gardens are well served by bus The Albert Approach Road and Broad Walk are life, will be considered in all aspects of park The Serpentine Sackler Gallery and tube with Lancaster Gate, Queensway, used under licence for skating by a small number management and further opportunities for In 2011 the Serpentine Gallery Trust commenced Bayswater and High Street Kensington tube of operators. connecting with the wider sustainability agenda development of the Magazine into a new Art stations in close proximity. Parking is available will be considered. Gallery and event space complete with the for disabled drivers at Queen’s Gate or along Dog walking inclusion of the designed restaurant. West Carriage Drive in the designated bays. Kensington is popular with the dog walking The Serpentine Sackler Gallery is held under Special initiatives are in place to provide community and a number of commercial licence for a period of 20 years and the licensee enhanced access for those with restricted mobility. dog walkers operate under licence throughout retains an option to extend the agreement for a ‘Liberty Drives’ charity which provides the year. further five years. Under the licence the Gallery a free transportation service for individuals 42 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 43 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

with disabilities and restricted mobility (along VISITOR FACILITIES 9pm. Children’s toilets are located at the Diana usually regard major events as inappropriate with their carers, family and friends) to visit Playground. Toilet charging was introduced as they would not be sympathetic to the design Refreshment Facilities inside Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. A for all TRP toilets, except in playgrounds, in and traditions of the Gardens. However, TRP At present, three of the four kiosks operate charitable organisation, it operates from 1 May March 2015. WCC facilities can be found near would consider an event if it is a unique or all year round selling a variety of sandwiches, to 31 October, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am until Palace Gate and Black Lion Gate; these too are one-off event of a national and/or historical wraps, flatbread pizzas and paninis, and salads, 4:30 pm. It is operated entirely by volunteer chargeable. importance. along with teas, coffee and soft drinks. The new drivers and other volunteer support roles. In the past Kensington Gardens has hosted Italian Gardens Cafe opened in June 2016. The Information boards and orientation maps Deckchairs a series of appropriate events mainly in tented Broad Walk cafe has its own children’s menu are provided at each of the main gates. Park Deckchairs run a deckchair concession structures on the Albert Memorial Lawns. being conveniently located next to the Diana from April to September during opening hours, In recent years we have hosted Burberry as Playground. Mobile kiosks operate seasonally weather permitting. Deckchairs can be hired at part of London Fashion Week for both Spring CYCLING from Easter to the end of October. Each facility the Bandstand area and on the slopes of Buck and Autumn shows as well as the Haughton has a set minimum opening time throughout There are two permitted, shared use, cycle Hill overlooking the Italian Gardens. Art Fair. In May 2016 Vogue held their centenary the year, generally open from 8am–8pm in the routes in the Gardens. The north-south route is event on the East Albert Lawn. In addition the summer and 10.00am-4.00pm in winter. As along the Broad Walk; and the east-west route park supports events hosted in Hyde Park e.g. of the 1 December 2016 the concession holder, VISITOR PROFILE extends from Studio Gate to Mount Gate. These the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon Colicci, run two mobile units seasonally located routes are classified as considerate cycle routes As of the 2015 Ipsos MORI survey Kensington which makes use of Kensington Gardens for at the Italian Gardens and on the Broad Walk and are part of the wider London Cycle Grid. Gardens’ 10.3 million visitors per annum 49% part of the route. close to the Round Pond. Cyclists are expected to follow the TRP pathway are from overseas, 32% are resident in London The Serpentine Gallery operate a substantial code of conduct. This states that pedestrians and 15% come from other parts of the UK. number of public and private events at both Playgrounds have priority over all other users of pathways, Visitors are predominantly young and middle sites. The prestigious Summer Pavilion, a There are two playgrounds - Diana Princess of that cyclists should always act considerately, aged, seeking quiet relaxation in the open air. temporary architectural structure built in the Wales Memorial Playground at the northern especially in allowing a safe amount of Two thirds of visitors comprise adults without grounds of the Serpentine Gallery, is now in its end of the Broad Walk and Buck Hill Playground space when passing and should cycle within children, approximately half coming singly and 16th year (2016) and TRP continue to support close to Buck Hill Gate. Inspired by the stories designated cycle speed limits. half in pairs or small groups. The other one the Gallery with other innovative approaches of Peter Pan, the Diana Playground is an Access improvement works have been third of visitors come with children. Of these, to artistic and architectural installations in the extremely popular adventure playground completed recently at Black Lion Gate and at a little less than one third of these children are landscape. In 2014 and 2015/16 Rock-on-top- for all children up to the age of 12 and is at Palace Gate, at the north and south ends of the aged 5 and under, one third are aged between 6 of-Rock and Magenta respectively have been the forefront of providing imaginative play Broad Walk, to allow greater circulation space and 15, and more than one third are groups of installed under license as external landscape encouraging children to explore and follow so as to minimise conflict between cyclists and children. artworks making use of a fixed plinth location their imaginations, learning whilst they other park users. in TRP managed parkland just south of the play. It receives over 1,000,000 visitors each Recent works on Mount Walk have seen Serpentine Gallery. In 2016 an additional year. In 2015 the park team commenced a EVENTS changes to surfaces at junctions and path ‘Summer Houses’ exhibition was initiated: four comprehensive review of this facility. intersections that had been identified as key Any major event held in Kensington Gardens structures, each designed by different architects, Toilets conflict points on this busy shared path. These will need to take into account the scheduling were erected close to Queen Caroline’s Temple, There are four toilet blocks located roughly treatments are used to reinforce the concept of of major events in Hyde Park. TRP considers each referencing the architectural heritage and at each of the four corners of the park. pedestrian priority and to mitigate the excessive up to four major events in Kensington Gardens merit of the Temple. TRP run general public toilet facilities at cycle speeds that have been identified as an per annum. The events which do take place in The Historic Royal Palaces run an extensive Mount Gate and Marlborough Gate. Having issue along the route. the Gardens are generally held on the Albert and varied public events programme and been relatively recently refurbished these offer Young children under 10 years old may Memorial Lawns, although Buck Hill has been host numerous private functions throughout good capacity and are in very good condition. cycle on other paths if accompanied by an adult successfully used before for a theatre marquee the year at both the Palace and the Orangery. They are attended during all opening hours not on a cycle. and we would consider repeating a similar type Vehicle access to the HRP estate is through and open daily at 7am: closing times vary of event within defined set limits. Kensington Gardens via Jubilee Walk requiring with park opening times, the earliest closing Elsewhere in Kensington Gardens we will partnership working to minimise the impacts in winter at 4pm, the latest in the summer at 44 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 45 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

on the park. In addition HRP has from time in appropriate areas will be considered. Allotment gardening, adjacent to the park office, to time requested the use of TRP land to fulfil The Gardens are particularly popular for is undertaken by an ongoing programme of exceptional events requests. Each request sunbathing and picnics in fine weather and the community volunteers. requires careful and considered review by TRP, expansive, flat grassed plateaux of the Round Other educational activities are undertaken due to potential impacts and disturbance on the Pond continues to be a main visitor focus. The by the Serpentine Sackler Gallery educational park, before any agreement can be reached. park is popular as a healthy walking route team; and by HRP delivering heritage A large number of small scale events are to work for commuters, and paths are used educational programmes. licensed by TRP and held annually which tend extensively by joggers and runners. to serve more of a local audience. These include Model yacht sailing is a popular activity at Information with park specific educational messages charity walks, concerts on the bandstand, the Round Pond, with the Model Yacht Sailing convey key ecological messages regarding guided walks and talks led by the Royal Parks Association (MYSA) use dating from 1876. The themed activities or areas of concern, such as Foundation. In addition Circus run a club focuses on the racing of radio controlled feeding animals, leaving waste and cyclists’ successful trapeze school on the Picnic Lawn. 10-Rater, vintage, International One Meter respect for pedestrians. Information is also The recent Ipsos Mori visitor survey (IOM) and Micro Magic model yachts, making given out on the rationale around any removals indicated that a small number of visitors would one of the most modern 10-Rater fleets in the of trees, management problems which have like to see more of the following events and country. been created, and explaining to the public why activities in the park: music events/concerts Cycling and Roller blading is allowed on certain practices are harmful to the environment (6% respondents), theatre/open air theatre (4%), the designated shared use footpaths Mount of Kensington Gardens. children’s events/entertainments (4%) and Walk and the Broad Walk as well as the Albert guided walks/talks (5%). Approach Road. Licensed skating instruction is permissible on the Albert Approach Road and Broad Walk. ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS The Diana Memorial Walk forms a circuit There are no specific facilities for organised around the Gardens. sports. Although informal games do take place, large scale organised sports activities are EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT AND discouraged in view of the importance of the VOLUNTEERING historic landscape and the desire to maintain a peaceful refuge for people living, working or The Education and Community Engagement visiting Central London. Organised ball games team are based in Kensington Gardens. The can result in damage to young trees and are team includes the Head of Education and constrained by the limited expanses of open Community Engagement; the Volunteer grassland. coordinator; and the PACE Officer for BCCP. TRP continues to allow and encourage The Royal Parks Foundation are contracted informal use by local primary schools, subject to deliver educational activities in Kensington to agreeing voluntary rotation of sites to reduce Gardens, based from their offices in the Hyde impacts; additionally TRP will resist and Park Lookout.14 discourage organised use that causes damage to The Park Management Team also support the fabric of the park. a number of corporate volunteer activities and Some work is underway to identify the events that encourage involvement around current groups using the Gardens for sporting interests such as wildlife, and heritage. and recreational activities e.g. soccer schools and summer schools. The feasibility of granting small scale licences to certain organised groups 14 Toni Assirati 2015 PART 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 48 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 49 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION The following short chapter describes the modelling undertaken as part of Bridgeman’s HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE underlying physical features of Kensington design which created a flat level terrace Gardens. In summary, the gardens cover some fronting to Kensington Palace upon which the Kensington Gardens sits on natural gravels 98 ha (242 acres) and slope gently from north formal avenues and the Round Pond could topped by sand and soils, a perched water table to south forming a roughly rectangular shape be displayed to dramatic effect. The virtually approximately 1.3 to 1.5 metres below ground. extending east from Kensington Palace to flat, level expanse of grass framing the Round A natural springline occurs at the junction of the the main water body of the Long Water, with Pond is a deliberately created plateau landform. gravel and clay on the eastern side overlooking a further eastwards extension of the park at Further notable landform features include the the Long Water, which necessitated installation Buck Hill across the Long Water. Within the relatively steep incline of the southern half of of land drainage in this part of the park in the park there is approximately 87 ha (214 acres) of the Broad Walk and the slope to the south of the 1990’s. grassland and 4,700 trees. The extent of trees Round Pond, the slope of Buck Hill towards the Before the diversion into the Ranelagh means that in many areas there is almost a Long Water and the undulations of the ground Storm Relief Sewer in 1874, the River complete canopy cover. as it falls away from the Temple. Westbourne had flowed into the Long Water. It had been subject to low flows and high

sewerage content, flooding periodically during GEOLOGY SOILS heavy rains, exacerbated by flow from land Kensington Gardens lies on two gravel river Soils are gleyic argillic brown earths. They have drains that extend through the eastern parts of terraces of the Thames: the Taplow Terrace in a mainly sandy loam texture and are mildly the Gardens. the north and the edge of the younger Flood acidic. The effects of past earthworks appear to In 1860 the very substantial St. Agnes Well Plain Terrace in the south. Between the two is be far less widespread in Kensington Gardens was constructed (approximately in the centre a narrow strip of the underlying London Clay, than Hyde Park, due to the earlier layout of the of the Italian Gardens). More recently in 1998, a which is also exposed in the former valley of the Gardens and the fact that they did not require borehole, working deeper inside St Agnes Well, Westbourne (now the Long Water). importation of soil and fill materials. Soil extracts water that currently feeds the Round borings on either side of the Albert Memorial, Pond and the Italian Gardens. yield deep, dark loams indicating the effects of TOPOGRAPHY An ancient spring, once considered to have cultivation of this area during the Second World The park lies at a low elevation of between 16 medicinal properties, is marked today by St. War. The soil there has been greatly modified and 29 metres AOD, with the landform dipping Gover’s Well, with its engraved Portland stone from its natural state by human intervention gently to the south and to the edges of the Long cover. However, as the well has dried, it is including importation of new soil and Water. Many subtle topographic variations now supplied by mains water. Surface water amelioration for horticultural reasons and repair. relate to the substantial earth still collects along the springline after rain. Otherwise, soils are generally free draining. 50 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 51 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

NATURAL FABRIC This section describes the development of the was also developed by Wise for Queen Anne, 1950-1987: This was a period of considerable generic ‘living’ components that have come to although this pattern has now completely tree loss and further weakening of the make up the essential character of Kensington disappeared. landscape structure. Dutch elm disease (1970’s) Gardens – the trees, grassland, shrubberies, and the great storms (1987 and 1991) both took 1726-33: Initiated under George 1st a massive horticultural display and water. It also refers to their toll on the tree population to the extent tree planting scheme, was implemented the biodiversity value of these elements. that the integrity of the historic landscape was by Vanbrugh and Bridgeman, including the It is important to note that it is the way that at risk. A historic landscape survey (1982) Great Bow forming a dramatic double avenue these different living elements come together followed by a detailed tree survey provided the around the pond, the Grand (Broad) Walk which create the specific and distinctive basis for addressing past neglect and replanting running north-south and the radiating formal character of Kensington Gardens – an in line with the historic pattern. avenues forming a patte d’oie in front of the essentially genteel, verdant landscape of trees palace. George II and Queen Caroline retained 1990 – present: Since 1987 significant time and grass. Bridgeman and instigated a further ambitious and resources have been invested in the The description of individual landscape planting scheme including walks with lime restoration of the tree framework within elements is provided for simplicity and to help espaliers and a ‘berceau’ or walk of shade at the Kensington Gardens. Over 60 avenue15 trees identify specific management opportunities. perimeter of the gardens. Additional formal have been replanted including restoration of Much more information on each is expressed in tree planting included extensive groves of oaks original 18th century elements. A thorough Section 8 Policies and Management Strategies, within the formal structure of avenues. appraisal of the avenues and trees in the as well as in Section 7 Landscape Character. Gardens has been undertaken in the 1736: Rocques plan shows the formal avenue Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2010, and extending up and including the areas known TREES AND ECOLOGY in the Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2014 today as Buck Hill and the tightly planted (which focused on the avenues). The Tree Trees provide fundamental frameworks for the bosquets surrounded by the Great Bow Strategy shows total tree numbers: landscape of Kensington Gardens, of its ecology contrasting with the more open quarters to and of its historical design. The structure and the east. These areas known as the ‘feathers’ Total Number multiplicity of the historical layout of the consisted of formal staggered rows of trees. The number in avenues avenues provides framed views and a rhythmic formal gardens to the south of the palace were Lime 1358 884 engagement with the historic landscape. The removed and laid to lawn with an area of more Sweet Chestnut 195 108 avenues are juxtaposed by loose groupings and dense tree planting at its southern end. Horse Chestnut 408 106 occasional masses, which collectively define 1760’s-1860: Following the death of George Plane 307 224 spaces, frame views and contribute to the II, in 1760 Kensington ceased to be a principal Oak 246 18 verdant character. royal palace and many of the designed tree Others* 913 228 The main tree framework of the gardens planting features began to be lost: the formal was laid down from the mid 18th century to the TOTALS 3178 1568 Bridgemanic layout loosened. late 19th century, although today the majority of the older trees in the gardens are second 1870-1880: A significant new addition to the *includes maples. hornbeam, Indian horse chestnut, generation plantings of the mid nineteenth formal planting structure occurred with the liriodendron and other ornamentals and exotics. century. Notable design phases are summarised construction of the Albert Memorial and the below: planting of Lancaster Walk, with an alignment slightly offset from the original avenue, to pre 1726: The South Garden to Kensington create a vista terminating at the Memorial. Palace was laid out to an extravagant formal At the same time an east-west avenue (Albert design by George London and Henry Wise Memorial Avenue) was created. Together for William and Mary and modified for Queen these avenues provide a dramatic setting to Anne in 1702 - 03. The Upper Garden with its the Memorial. wilderness, sunken garden and mock mount 15 MS. email 25 February 2016 52 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 53 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

MAJOR AVENEUS AND TREE LINES The Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2014 sets out nine principles for a ten year action Indicates veteran trees plan. A summary for planting specific areas recommends:-

BUCKBUCK HILL HILL WALK WALK BAYSWATER ROAD (EAST)  Buck Hill Walk and Axis: options for gap planting to help reconstruct the avenues without overly complete formality, of mixed species in short runs. NORTH WALK LANCASTER WALK  Dial Walk (outer row): strategy for judicious BAYSWATER ROAD (WEST) removals of 2 liriodendron; to gap up with 1 liriodendron and 4 sweet chestnut and formation of new ‘antlers’ in sweet INVERNESS TERRACE WALK chestnut.

JUBILEE WALK  The Dials: replacement of failing horse chestnut with resistant elm cultivars.

BROAD WALK OLD POND WALK  Great Bayswater Walk: options for gap GREAT BAYSWATER WALK BUCK HILL AXIS planting of oak, lime and occasional sweet chestnut T HE GR EA  Lancaster Walk: options for gap planting T THE B FRONT WALK O the inner rows with plane, the outer rows NORTH W FEATHERS with lime. FRONT WALK BUCK BARN WALK  North Feathers: options for some infill, and BUCK BARN WALK also to restore the front line in oak (Quercus

LANCASTER WALK petraea), beech, sweet chestnut, lime and hornbeam.

W

O OLD POND WALK  B South Roundabout: options for gap planting

T A MOUNT WALK in Indian horse chestnut, alder, buckeye E THE R and hop hornbeam. G SOUTH E  BROAD WALK H The Broad Walk: replacement of all Norway FEATHERS T maple with sessile oak DIAL WALK MULBERRY WALK  The Great Bow; re-planting has been under- taken in 2015 of 30 lime trees in the southern DIALS arc and 12 limes in the northern arc.

WEST OLD POND WALK ROW The Quarters: a continuation of these tree SOUTH ROUNDABOUTALBERT MEMORIAL AVENUES restoration initiatives affords scope to have more purposeful planting which will strengthen the individual (named) identities of each separate Quarter. The strategy is to strike a 54 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 55 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

careful balance between density of planting aesthetic charm and character, delineates the 5. Develop natural regeneration of trees: Management Opportunities: Grassland and the continuation of Kensington Gardens’ separateness of Kensington Gardens from investigate opportunities for TRP nursery 1. Continue with meadow mowing regimes essential “grassiness”, a defining characteristic. Hyde Park and has the purpose of thickening to grow on seedlings, with use of veteran and and aim to manage grassland for optimum Approximately half the area of the Gardens the hedge at its base making it denser, in turn significant trees as a propagation source. biodiversity where this is consistent with is managed as ‘meadow’ with appropriate providing a much improved habitat for nesting 6. Maintain the botanical diversity of trees. historic landscape objectives. Spring and Autumn cutting regimes. Much birds. It is intended to maintain this effort natural regeneration of trees exists, which will over the coming years to successfully lay other 7. Progress and apply techniques for root 2. Continue to undertake enhanced maintenance allows for creative management in selecting sections of native hedge around the northern zone amelioration and de-compaction and repair for areas of high wear and tear. good specimens in particular locations for and southern boundary of the Gardens. around trees developing a strategy/plan 3. Pursue acid grassland restoration activities recruitment and retention, so as not to lose the The Park Manager and TRP arboricultural for long term benefit. in targeted areas. meadow areas. team make regular tree inspections and instruct 8. Review and update the 2010 Veteran The quarters allow opportunities for arboricultural contractors to implement works 4. Refine mowing regimes under tree canopies Tree Strategy. retaining veteran trees which are assets both in and manage the trees, for example, maintenance within the existing amenity turf. aesthetic and in ecological terms; and also as and safety works. The tree contractor is investment in new planting and replacing some also employed to respond to emergency tree GRASSLAND AND ECOLOGY HORTICULTURAL AREAS of the notable late nineteenth/early twentieth works. The whole of Kensington Gardens is a Grassland is an essential component of the AND BIODIVERSITY century groupings of species. Conservation Area and therefore the relevant Kensington Gardens covering in the region There is also the opportunity of restoring local planning authorities are notified in Garden Areas of 87ha (214 acres) and creating its verdant some “firs” (in reality they were pines) in the advance of all routine and strategic tree works, The horticultural areas are an important and character. A minority of the grassland is “Fir Quarter”. in accordance with ODPM guidelines. cherished feature of Kensington Gardens. The maintained as regularly mown amenity grass Native woody vegetation has been initiated ornamental displays are focussed along the sward providing the context and setting for the and encouraged in fenced areas: several stands Management Opportunities: Trees South Flower Walk, urns and beds in the Italian formal landscape of tree avenues and rides as are in the south wilderness, at the southern end Gardens and at the North Flower Walk. The well as an appropriate ‘surface’ for informal to the Dials and on the north hedge line. These 1. Continue the consideration of tree structure management approach for The North Flower recreation. In some areas, such as Buck’s ‘break-out’ beds have been created to increase and its relationship to the grassed areas as key Walk is to arrest its decline, and re-establish Hill, the thin acidic soils over the river terrace biodiversity substance and screening to the to the character of Kensington Gardens; the improved horticultural interest there. Further gravels are reflected in small remnant areas of otherwise limited depth of the hedge lines. effect on grasses and forbs e.g. in relation to the information on each is provided within the acid grassland, which are an important habitat. In 2010-2011, the Historic Royal Palaces management of self sown trees in the Quarters. relevant character area descriptions. Grassland management, for instance the HLF funded project provided for opening the The gardens at Kensington Palace, namely 2. Continue to implement recommendations number of cuts per annum and their timings, is east side of the Palace and its immediate setting the Sunken Garden and Orangery Garden are of the 2010 and 2014 Tree Strategies regarding informed by the NVC Survey and 2013 Ground to reintegrate with the Gardens. Sixty four maintained by the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). renewal and restoration, respecting the heritage Flora Survey. Generally, close mown amenity trees were cleared so as to achieve a seamless HRP have considerable horticultural expertise pattern in relation to siting and choice of tree sward is maintained in the most heavily used boundary. New tree planting was undertaken and skills maintaining their gardens to a very species in further planting (beyond the avenues); and formal areas, for instance around the to compensate for the loss of this tree cover in high standard. and aiming to reinforce the characters of Albert Memorial, while meadow regimes are the wilderness area to the south of Dial Walk. Horticultural displays in the South Flower individual Quarters. maintained in other areas. This management Hedge laying of the hawthorn hedge in the Walk provide both visual delight and also approach has been developed over a number of southern counties style has been undertaken 3. Continue to implement recommendations supply an important habitat and nectar source. years and is now considered to be appropriate along the park perimeter of Buck Hill alongside of the 2010 Veteran Tree Survey which provides The South Flower Walk is an outstanding set for the park, with modifications recommended West Carriage Drive This is a traditional management schedules with a view to optimise the piece comprising a formal walkway flanked from the 2013 Ground Flora survey for some woodland craft that dates back many centuries. long-term viability for their individual continuity by shrub and flowerbed areas, interspersed areas. Measures have been taken that have It is rooted in the principles of managing and for their dependent saproxylic habitat. ornamental trees, including some choice and mainly resolved the issues of heavy wear a stock proof boundary making use of the unusual species. The area is relatively secluded 4. Maintain timely and well resourced and tear and compacted subsoil, which had ability of natural woody species to regenerate and enclosed from the main part of the management of pests and diseases. impacted a number of problem grass areas. from dormant buds. The laid hedge provides Gardens providing contrast and visual appeal; 56 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 57 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

it is intensively maintained and is well used Ornamental and Conservation Shrubberies BUILDINGS AND HARD The formal landscape design was originally and enjoyed by visitors and, with the Albert Shrub plantings take various forms in the orientated to Kensington Palace which lies to Memorial, provides an important approach to Gardens. ‘Satellite’ beds with a predominantly LANDSCAPE FABRIC the west of the Gardens. Today, Kensington the Gardens. shrub content are features near the Orangery, Palace is managed by Historic Royal Palaces Some areas of the Gardens have swathes the Diana Playground and Orme Square. and the Royal Household and does not form of naturalised bulbs, giving added floriferous Borders with a predominantly shrub content part of the territory of the Gardens, and is not interest and increasing the offering of pollen make up much of South Flower Walk to the subject of this management plan. However sources early in the year. Mount Gate and North Flower Walk. Around the interrelationship between the Palace and the the Long Water remaining ornamental shrubs Gardens both visual and functional is a critical Management Opportunities: and planting combined with an increasing element of the character of the Gardens and is Horticultural Display amount of native shrubs make refuges of considered as part of this plan. transitional habitats between water and In addition to Kensington Palace, there are 1. Aim to implement opportunities to improve meadows. Valuable cover and nesting sites for a number of other buildings and monuments planting in focused areas of the Gardens songbirds are offered by much of this habitat. which form important landmarks and points e.g. North Flower Walk; for delight and for of interest and focus within the Gardens. The biodiversity. Management Opportunities: following section gives a summary of the main 2. Complete the landscape restoration of Ornamental and Conservation Shrubberies structures that lie within the Gardens. South Flower Walk. 1. Ensure management of shrubberies seeks a 3. Improve the landscape setting at the balance between horticulture, biodiversity and BUILDINGS AND MAIN STRUCTURES Peter Pan enclosure. historic landscape objectives and seek to create Buildings and structures are an essential and views and vistas of the Long Water. 4. Ensure complementary maintenance integral part of Kensington Gardens. There regimes with Kensington Palace. 2. Recognise the important biodiversity interest are eight main buildings within Kensington of the enclosed shrubbery areas and apply Gardens managed by the Royal Parks. These 5. Ensure maintenance of best display areas management principles to maintain and enhance are Buckhill Lodge, the Serpentine Gallery remains at the highest possible horticultural this interest. (under licence), The Serpentine Serpentine standards using environmentally sustainable Sackler Gallery (under licence; previously practices that minimise the use of unsustainable 3. Aim to realise the range offered by shrub content; the Magazine), Queen’s Gate Lodge, Queen pesticides. dense thickets for nesting, elegance and wider Caroline’s Temple, Queen Anne’s Alcove, spacing for visual clarity and underplanting 6. Consider ecological benefits in the management the Pumphouse, and the Albert Memorial. opportunities. of all horticultural areas. There are, in addition, a large number of other 4. Aim to revitalise and renovate shrubberies structures that are a fundamental part of the 7. Identify opportunities to introduce new on a cyclical basis. character of the Gardens. A summary of the horticultural/planting features and styles. main buildings and structures, their historic 8. Increase areas of spring bulb planting, origin and current status is set out below. focusing on native bulbs. Bandstand: Listed Grade II, 1931, by J. Markham, said to give better acoustics than the usual round type. The first bandstand (1869) was removed to Hyde Park 1886. ‘Time Flies’ clock tower: 1909, the gift of Mrs. Galpin. Inscribed ‘Time Flies’ on clock tower and ‘This fountain was erected 1909, in 58 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 59 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

MONUMENTS PLAN GATES PLAN 60 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 61 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

BUILDINGS / STRUCTURES PLAN memory of a beloved son and one who loved it was for many years the base for park little children’. The fountain has since been management before being converted to an decommissioned. exhibition space in 2013 with annexe, a tensile structure by Zaha Hadid. Date 1805 appears Pumphouse and Italian Gardens: Listed on rainwater heads of central block. Doric Grade II, 1860-61, by Banks and Barry. Marble colonnade and side pavilions added later fountain in five basins, Tazza fountain and () and shown in illustrations balustrade by John Thomas. Gardens initially of 1823. promoted by Prince Albert. The purpose of the Pumphouse is to raise and supply water to the Coalbrookdale Gates: Listed Grade II, 1851, head of the Long Water. The fine building is designed by Charles Crookes, sculpted by in two parts: the rear is fully operational: , made by the Coalbrookdale Co., the front is an open shelter. Railings and bronze-painted cast iron. Made for the 1851 balustrades surrounding The Fountains, with Great Exhibition; erected at entrance to kerbstones to pools and statue of Jenner. Lancaster Walk on Rotten Row 1852; displaced Portland stone kerbs and balustrades and cast and re-erected across South Carriage Drive iron railings. (now the Albert Approach Road) 1871 (during construction of the Albert Memorial). Queen Anne’s Alcove: Listed Grade II*, 1705, by Sir Christopher Wren, originally sited Albert Memorial: Listed Grade I, inaugurated against the Park Wall at Dial Walk to the south 1872, designed by Sir , in of Kensington Palace. Re-located 1867-68 to memory of Prince Albert (1809-61). Statue present position at the north end of the Long of Prince Albert, 1875, by Water (Marlborough Gate). (d. 1874, completed by G.F. Teniswood). The frieze around the base depicts 169 figures Queen Caroline’s Temple: Listed Grade II, – the world’s greatest painters, musicians, c.1734, attributed to William Kent. Converted architects and sculptors as perceived in the as Temple Lodge 1850s, bomb damaged 1944, mid-Victorian age. Groundworks included restored and lodge removed 1976–77. Queen re-siting of Queen’s Gate Lodge, re-siting of Caroline’s Temple was set within an ‘Arcadian’ Coalbrookdale Gate; land taken from Hyde landscape, in a location with views to the Park into Kensington Gardens; and replanting Serpentine. There are eighteenth century prints Lancaster Gate Walk avenues on the new axis depicting Queen Caroline ’s Temple “in Arcadia” of the Memorial. There have been recent across the Long Water. improvements to the presentation and setting Serpentine Gallery: Listed Grade II, 1934 of the monument; additional conservation work by Henry Tanner jun., as new refreshment to the full restoration, and new cabling to the pavilion to replace earlier refreshment room lighting. There is continuous conservation work (1855); re-opened 1970 as the Serpentine Gallery. to the marble and bronze statuary. The gallery is a popular visitor attraction in its Queen’s Gate: Listed Grade II, 1858, by own right. It is famous for its annual summer C.J. Richardson, built by William Jackson at event, including construction of temporary own expense. Original gate pillars supported structures in the grounds. figures of athletes, replaced 1919 with deer Serpentine Sackler Gallery: Original nucleus groups given by JLP. Lebegue. c.1764–65 as the Powder Magazine building for storing gunpowder, 62 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 63 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Queen’s Gate Lodge: Listed Grade II, 1858, Palace Gate toilets (managed under license They include historic buildings and memorials, Two Bears drinking fountain: Listed Grade II, built of Bath stone, with three piers. The Lodge by WCC). several of which have a listed status (section. 3) 1939, Stone baluster supporting basin with continues to be in private residential use. and a number of ornamental features. These are bronze group of embracing baby bears, by The following are now managed by HRP: described below: Kenneth Keeble-Smith, presented by the Lancaster Gate: Pair of gates brought (1851) Studio Gate Alcove: responsibility of HRP. Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle from Latimers, Bucks. Named Lancaster Gate Shown on plan c.1705, possibly by William Esme Percy Memorial: 1961, by Silvia Gilley, Trough Association to mark its 80th anniversary. from 1861. Talman. Ornamental plastered wood panels bronze on granite pedestal, a dog drinking Re-cast 1970 to replace bears stolen in 1967. possibly from an earlier, 17th-century building. fountain in memory of Esme Percy. Black Lion Gate: Listed Grade II, 1862 cast- Peter Pan: Listed Grade II* 1912, by Sir George iron carriage gates of two leaves hung from St. Govor’s well: Located on former well site, Management Opportunities: Frampton, bronze, commissioned by JM. Barrie. open-work iron piers. Full-height bars with Portland stone cover 1976. Inscribed “This Buildings and Main Structures Bronze figure of the hero of Sir James Barrie’s spear-head finials. Piers crowned with royal drinking fountain masks the site of an ancient play surrounded by fairies, birds and animals. monogram, date and star of Order of the Garter. 1. Ensure high standard of maintenance and spring which in 1856 was named Saint Govor’s Stone base presentation for all buildings and structures well by the first Commissioner of Works, later Buck Hill Lodge, Lodge at Westbourne Gate: particularly conservation and enhancement to become Lord Llanover. Saint Govor, a sixth Physical Energy: Erected 1907, by George Listed Grade II, 1852, altered 1888. Formerly of character and setting of listed structures century hermit, was the patron saint of a church Frederick Watts OM, bronze, replica of a section occupied by the foreman of Kensington Gardens, e.g. Queen Caroline’s Temple. Maintain the at Llanover which had eight wells in its church of the Rhodes Memorial on Table Mountain in it continues to be in private residential use. Forward Maintenance Register (FMR) and yard”. Cape Town. Black Lion Lodge: the Lodge was re-built its cyclical programme of external Elfin Oak:Listed Grade II, 1930, designed and Peacock Walk Shelter, Buckhill: 1930, funded in 1964 after being destroyed in 1942: origin decorations to all buildings. made by Ivor Innes from an ancient oak trunk by public response to the Lansbury Appeal. building showing on the Greenwood map of 2. Ensure a continual replacement of M&E from Richmond Park, the gift of Lady Fortescue 1827; previously used by the park foreman, now Arch by Henry Moore: Erected in 1980, a gift features to keep buildings to a high standard in response to the Lansbury Appeal. Restored in private residential use. of the Henry Moore Foundation. It has been and to minimise unscheduled failures. 1951 and 1996. restored and reinstated 2012/2013. Orme Square Gate Lodges North and South: 3. Pursue the restoration and re-installation of Parish boundary markers: Thirteen low built in 1961-1962. Residential lodges, the North Trumpet Fountain, Broadwalk: 2015, replacing seating into the Silver Thimble shelters. stone marker posts of unknown date, located Lodge now in private residential use, to replace a former fountain, sponsored by The Tiffany variously along the boundaries between the those demolished by Improvement 4. Develop restoration approaches for internal & Co Foundation, a bronze drinking fountain parishes of St. Margarets, West Scheme. refurbishment of the internal rooms in designed by Moxon Architects; with integral (, Kensington) and St. Georges, Queen Anne’s Alcove. dog bowl at its base, set in three rings of Silver Thimble Shelter North and South: listed Hanover Square. sandstone with an ornate swirl engraving. in 2014 as Grade II, the Silver Thimble seating 5. Explore opportunities to bring the Bandstand Speke Monument and railings: Listed Grade II, shelters were erected in 1919 to commemorate into being a more functional and accessible Trumpet Fountain, Mount Gate: 2012, 1866, by Philip Hardwick, erected by the Speke soldiers and sailors in WWI. Timber park feature: find a design solution for this replacing a former fountain, sponsored by Memorial Committee. construction. Shingle roof. underutilised heritage asset being fenced the Bulgarian Community a bronze drinking against accidental falls from its platform. St. Agnes’s well: Stone bench, first shown on fountain designed by Moxon Architects; at the North Bastion and Middle Bastion: built in 1894 OS map on the site previously marked base an integral dog bowl, set in a single ring of 1725-1731 parts of two bastions and ha-ha that (OS 1869) as St. Agnes’ well. green slate. marked the furthermost extent of the Gardens to the east, remain. MONUMENTS AND MAIN ARTEFACTS Edward Jenner: Listed Grade II, (1749-1823) Bollard: Listed Grade II, C19. Cast-iron. Ornate 1858, by William Calder-Marshall, bronze. version of the cannon type with acanthus The Broadwalk Cafe: catering building that There are a number of other structures and Statue of the physician who invented the ornament to base. Located at south end of the was redeveloped in 2000-2001 in conjunction artefacts that have accrued incrementally by smallpox vaccine. Moved from Gardens. the Diana Princess of Wales’ Playground. the Gardens and now form an important part of the built landscape. These are mainly 19th 1862 as part of the Italian Gardens works. Toilet buildings: at Mount Gate, Marlborough and early 20th century layers, which co-exist Gate and Childrens’ toilets at the Diana Princess and help to animate the 18th century layout. of Wales’ Playground; also Queensway and 64 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 65 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The following are now managed by HRP: boundaries and entrances to the Gardens the largest being Coalbrookdale Gate (1852) and 6. Seek to maintain appropriate setting beyond. Queen’s Gate (1858) and the oldest, although the park boundaries. Crowther Gates: Responsibility of HRP. Previously Boundaries: The present hard structure least decorative being Lancaster Gate (1851). situated to the north side of the State Apartments, boundaries of Kensington Gardens were The majority of the remaining gates were ROAD AND PATH NETWORK held in store until installed at the head of Dial established by 1871. These included the Buck created in the mid nineteenth century, with many Walk in 1989–90 with ornamental piers. Hill extension with the north and south bastion Within Kensington Gardens the path network of the original gates being removed in World and ha ha forming the eastern boundary of the (22km) is extensive, convenient and in the William II: (1650-1702) 1907, by H. Baucke, War II, and subsequently replaced with simple park as part of Queen Caroline’s improvements main integrated with the historic layout of bronze. Inscribed “William III of Orange, iron gates to match the surrounding railings. in 1730, and the later addition of the South 1730, with later adaptations to facilitate public King of Great Britain and Ireland presented The gates all provide pedestrian access. Carriage Drive (now the Albert Approach Road) use. Roadways (not accessible to public traffic) by William II, German Emperor and King of Mount, Studio, Palace, Black Lion and added when the Albert Memorial Scheme was are present at Albert Approach Road (formerly Prussia to King Edward VII for the British Coalbrookdale Gate allow cycle access to the approaching completion in 1871. Historically, part of South Carriage Drive) and Jubilee Nation. 1907”. Pedestal by Sir Aston Webb. designated cycle route across the park. The the Gardens were enclosed by brick walls, Walk. Pedestrian access has priority on all Orme Square Gates are used for vehicle access : (1819-1900) Erected 1893, by providing privacy for occupants of the Palace. paths, although some also provide service and to the Palace as well as for pedestrians. The Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, marble, Railings subsequently replaced the walls in the maintenance access. In addition, some paths gates are opened at six a.m. and locked at dusk. presented by the Kensington Golden Jubilee early-mid nineteenth century, and survived have shared use with cyclists (Albert Approach They are evenly distributed along the south, Memorial Executive Committee. The young until 1942 when they were removed for gun Road/ Studio Walk and The Broad Walk and east and north boundaries (with only one on queen wears coronation robes. The statue is metal, leaving the gardens unenclosed for a Mount Walk.) It is noted that Kensington the west boundary reflecting the presence of the within the area managed by HRP, but is an considerable period. The present iron railings Gardens, unlike Hyde Park, does not have Palace and private paddocks. The gates, in the important visible feature from the Gardens. were installed in 1968 – 1970 on a low brick segregated cycle lane provision and there are main, are considered to be appropriately located retaining wall. Hedges supplement most of no plans to adopt such an approach. Vehicle and relate well to the path layout. There are Management Opportunities: the length of external railings along Bayswater access to Kensington Palace is permissible along opportunities for improvements to the setting of Monuments and Artefacts Road. The railings are composed of two main Jubilee Walk. some gate entrances and specifically to Victoria types: spiked mild steel vertical bar railings Paths range in width from 10m (the Broad 1. Recognise important contribution of features Road gate and the King’s Arm Gate in relation on the north and south perimeters; arrowhead Walk) to 1.2m. The majority are less than 4m (such as the Elfin Oak, Albert Memorial, Peter to the south front of Kensington Palace. mild steel vertical bar railings on the eastern wide. They are predominantly surfaced with Pan, Statue of Physical Energy) to the character perimeter along West Carriage Drive. The latter bound gravel of the ‘tar and chip’ type, though and identity of Kensington Gardens and ensure Management Opportunities: railing type is also present around the Long in recent years more resin bonded surfaces have a high standard of maintenance of the features Boundaries and Gates Water, and some internal enclosures. been introduced e.g. beside the Round Pond. and their setting. More recently hedges have been added to 1. Ensure maintenance of gates and railings 2. Limit further incremental addition of increase the verdant buffer for the Gardens to a high standard and quality to enhance Management Opportunities: small scale artefacts and features. from outside traffic and to increase biodiversity. presentation of the park. Road and Path Network Most of the perimeter boundary includes 2. Consider adding a turnstile at Magazine Gate. 1. Need to manage user conflicts – hedging inside the fence boundary. cycle/pedestrian/rollerblade/skateboard. MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 3. Opportunity to improve setting and Gates: The number of points of access into BOUNDARIES AND GATES presentation of some gateway entrances 2. Need to manage user conflict, noting at times Kensington Gardens have increased since they to achieve consistently significant entrance considerable quantities of traffic to Kensington The quality of the boundary treatments and were first laid out in the eighteenth century, in hierarchies e.g. King’s Arms Gate. Palace on Jubilee Walk. entrances into Kensington Gardens is important line with increasing public use. Today, there in creating the first impression for visitors are a total of 22 gateways into the park, 2 gated 4. Need to resolve user conflict (pedestrian 3. Need for a high standard of maintenance of paths entering the park. This includes the relative openings under Serpentine Bridge, plus more and traffic) at Orme Square Gate. and hard surfaces (bound gravel) and matching contrast crossing from Hyde Park into Kensington recent supplementary turnstile gates to facilitate repairs to avoid ‘patchiness’. 5. Need to conserve and enhance the older Gardens as well as the important relationship exit from the park after closing. Six of the gates ornamental gateways that create distinctive 4. Need for consistent use of surfacing materials with the adjacent urban landscape. The following are of a more grand, ornamental design and entrances to the Gardens. to reinforce distinctive high qualtiy landscape. section describes the main components of the create distinctive entrances into the Gardens, 66 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 67 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

PARK FURNITURE AND SIGNAGE Litterbins and Dog Bins: There are in the Management Opportunities: region of 125 bins for litter or dog waste within Park Furniture and Signage Benches and Seats: There are in the region of the gardens. This number is considered to be 150 benches and seats in the Gardens, mostly 1. Ensure consistency in type and co-ordination sufficient to meet visitor needs. These comprise of reasonable quality and repair. They are of of benches and bins in key areas adhereing to four main types: black or Royal Parks green a wide variety of styles including elaborately TRP Landscape Design Guide. with gold trim cast iron variety, double unit scrolled O’Brien Thomas style (cast iron and recycling slatted wooden bins, and metal bins 2. Recognise and continue high maintenance wooden slats) first introduced at the Great plus temporary wire basket receptacles, used requirements for park furniture and signage. Exhibition in 1851 and now with more recent during busy periods, supplemented by 26 bins recasts forming a standard throughout the 3. Local re alignments of park furniture – for dog waste. There are in addition three glass Royal Parks. Other styles include the all particularly to avoid cluttering of key views recycling bins on a trial basis. 55 new recycling timber ‘Listers’ and a few of the cast iron/two and vistas. bins were installed in 2015 to encourage plank ‘Barkers’ as well as the ‘Yates-Haywood’ recycling and reduce quantities of incineration. 4. Encourage gifted benches to TRP selected version of cast iron/wooden slats and Boulton Bins are in the most part unobtrusive and design and location. and Paul teak type bench, plus more modern appropriately located throughout the Gardens; examples. The benches are widely distributed 5. Restrict lighting to present levels though there are some that fail to co-ordinate throughout the gardens, with concentrations in within the park. with benches or are inappropriately located. association with particular features. Gifted and 6. Develop interpretation strategy, without commemorated benches, to the style selected by Lighting: Apart from gas lamps at Queens proliferation of signboards, to relate and share TRP, make important contributions, for instance Gate and lighting for the Albert Memorial, TRP Kensington Gardens with interested visitors in the Italian Gardens and South Flower Walk. does not have any external lighting. HRP has eg. its history, tree species, grassland ecology. In addition, deckchairs are available at the some lighting restricted to the areas around Round Pond/Bandstand and Buck Hill/Italian 7. Monitor the quality, appearance and Kensington Palace, where there are a number Gardens areas from April to September during appropriateness of information boards of ornamental lamp posts. The park is not daylight hours, weather permitting. updating on a regular basis. intended to provide a 24 hour facility and therefore further lighting at night time is not 8. Provision of visitor information closely required. The Albert Memorial is up lit with identified with the Royal Parks could be provided ground level lights illuminating the Memorial. at enhanced catering facilities. 9. Reduce the number of temporary notices Signage: There are 42 notice boards and map and signs. boards within the Gardens. These include standard Royal Parks Information Boards at each of the gates plus local notice and sign boards: the two bird identification along the Long Water, provided by the Friends at the Long Water, and the new wildlife interpretation panels installed in 2015. The Buck Hill bastion board is in poor condition. 68 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 69 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

EDUCATION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION STANDARD BIRD SURVEY WALKS ENGAGEMENT AND The Royal Parks Foundation Education team: works in partnership work with the volunteer USER EXPERIENCE team at the Kensington Gardens allotment. The volunteer coordinator provides guidance and management for volunteer groups who are involved in a wide range of activities in the Gardens and throughout TRP. This provides support and guidance to young people in their knowledge of how to grow foods and life skills in how to take the harvested food and prepare for use.

Serpentine and Serpentine Sackler Gallery Education team: the Park Management Team works co-operatively with both galleries to support the potential of art, exhibitions and associated installations in the landscape

Kensington Palace HRP: the Park Management Team liaises with HRP in their provision of heritage education programmes.

Interpretative Material: Exploring and implementing effective and contemporary ways of meeting information needs about Kensington Gardens’, its rich heritage and wildlife, will be a forthcoming focus.

Guided Walks and Small Scale Interpretative Events: The Park Management Team will continue to provide, encourage and support a regular programme of small scale events. Special consideration will be given to occasional small community events that seek to widen the audience of the park, for example attracting local residents that currently do not visit the gardens.

Special Projects: opportunities will be developed around important external events; an example of which is the upcoming WW1 three year project which will highlight the military use of Buck Hill area as a camouflage school. This 70 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 71 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

project will engage community and schools in 3. Increase the amount of corporate volunteering Management Opportunities: 2000 of ‘pavilion’ structures by world renowned recreating the trenches and experiencing some e.g on meadow maintenance. Sports and active recreational uses architects in the grounds of the gallery as part of of the war time training programme. the annual summer event. This is a well-known 4. Initiate ecological and biodiversity improvement 1. Use of the Gardens for formal, organised sports and popular event adding a new (temporary) projects that lend themselves to volunteer delivery. and activities can disrupt the peaceful, historic Management Opportunities: element to the Gardens in summer. character of the landscape, though there is an Education and Interpretation 5. Continue to support the nature club initiative opportunity to consider some formalised activity Events associated with the Serpentine 1. There are a number of opportunities for successfully trialled during Spring 2016. in some locations. Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery: community involvement, including the 6. Continue to recruit and support corporate The Serpentine Gallery operates the gallery active Friends Group. 2. Need to ensure repair and management of volunteering e.g. Operation Centaur; shire building and surrounding garden area under landscape fabric for areas with highest visitor horses on Buck Hill. a lease from the Royal Parks. The Serpentine 2. Add interpretation material with South Flower pressure. There is potential need for enhancement Gallery hold many events some of which Walk Phase 4 project; with North Flower Walk works to increase the capacity of these areas, may also involve additional structures. The project; and bird & wildlife information boards. SPORTS AND ACTIVE RECREATIONAL USES simultaneously restricting cycle/roller bladers to installation of a concrete plinth adjacent to designated routes, and ensuring users are aware Football/Ballgames: Sports, football, and the Serpentine site now offers the gallery the of the shared character of these paths. ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH ballgames generally, have become increasingly opportunity of a regular external art installation popular in the Gardens in recent years and 3. There is an anticipated increase in cycling across in the landscape at Mount Walk. Allotment: The ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening resulted in some disturbance within the London due to targets set by Government and the programme in Kensington Gardens illustrates Events in Hyde Park: Large events in Hyde Park peaceful ambience of the park and the historic GLA. This is facilitated by the introduction of the team spirit between a group of volunteers change the use patterns of Kensington Gardens landscape. Such activity can cause damage to the TfL Cycle Superhighway in Hyde Park working closely and identifying with the and require change in management practices or new trees and the pattern of structural planting, which connects to considerate cycling routes in allotment and Park Management. The volunteers’ infrastructure. Both Park Management Teams as well as compaction of grass surfaces. There Kensington Gardens that are on TfL Quietway management of the growth programme, work closely to address any issues relating to is an opportunity to consider some limited Cycle Grid maps. Continued monitoring of visitor engagement with new members, training and displacement of visitor and additional pressure formalised activity in specific locations. behaviours may indicate a need to run campaigns development of new skills is fruitful in their on the Gardens at these times. However, there will be a continuation to the that raise the awareness of the TRP Pathway hosting of a popular harvest festival for the approach of not licensing personal trainers nor Code of Conduct. Events held by HRP: On an exceptional basis local community. group trainers such as British Military Fitness. HRP may request additional requirements of TRP 4. Coordinate approach with Hyde Park Management The Royal Parks Guild: RPG gives support to assist in facilitating their events programme. Pedestrian Priority: Pedestrians will remain top Team dealing with non-licensed users. to the horticulture programmes and historical in the hierarchy of different park users. Peaceful park research. 5. Develop relationships with regular users to Management Opportunities: pedestrian enjoyment of the Gardens, will be establish their level of organised use. Events Volunteer bird surveys: The volunteer bird encouraged and considered as a priority in walking routes build standardised data. relation to other potentially shared uses. 6. Develop a supportive management of summer 1. Suitable for only 4 major events each year Recruitment and management of knowledgeable schools using the Gardens, and licensing for respecting the capacity of Kensington Gardens Non-pedestrian uses: The use of non-motorised ‘birder’ volunteers should be continued. group recreational uses of the East and West for events in light of the need to retain the scooters, skateboards etc. will be tolerated Albert Memorial Lawns. Gardens more peaceful character. providing they do not adversely impact on Management Opportunities: pedestrian users or the park infrastructure. 2. A careful balance needs to be struck to ensure Educational and Outreach Roller bladers will have shared use of the EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENTS that the number of small/medium events and 1. Potential for further strengthening links paths with cycle use and be encouraged to use associated temporary structures does not Events on the Albert Memorial Lawns: with the local community through activities these routes, with appropriate path surfacing negatively impact upon the more peaceful Events will generally be held on the Albert in the Gardens. used to control use on other paths. Other character of the park. Memorial Lawns. The Royal Parks Events Strategy non-pedestrian uses will not be given separate 2. Initiate annual citizen surveys on butterflies, allows a maximum of four major events per year. 3. Maintain discussion with the Royal Parks provision within the park. invertebrates, bats, mammals and reptiles. Guild over the potential for a WWI project if Temporary Structures: The Serpentine Gallery funding becomes available. have established a new tradition that began in 72 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 73 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

4. Careful and considerate management of HRP Management Opportunities: Penalties: Fixed penalty enforcements for Management Opportunities: Play led events requiring non-routine use of TRP land. Visitor Experience offences including dog fouling, cycling except 1. Explore improved ways of managing queuing where permitted, and litter will be applied. 1. The need to manage the Gardens as a at the Diana Playground. VISITOR EXPERIENCE tourist attraction as well as a local park for Safer Parks Panel: The SPP, a group made 2. Lean on historical references of wilderness to the surrounding residential community. up from a range of park stakeholders and Visitor Survey: The Royal Parks will continue identify opportunities for play within a playful interest groups, meets quarterly and covers to undertake visitor surveys of park use and 2. Maintain an obligation to widen the diversity of landscape proposal as part of re-imagining the both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The visitor satisfaction and will respond to findings visitors and seek to engage with new audiences, Old Wilderness. Metropolitan Police Service Dedicated Police in improvements to park management. notably local communities that currently do not Officer for Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens 3. North Flower Walk landscape restoration offers In 2015 Ipsos MORI undertook a series visit the Gardens. reports on incidents of crime and anti-social an opportunity for embellished playful art and of surveys of park visitors to the Royal Parks. 3. Consider opportunities to increase use of behaviour for discussion, and the Park Manager sculpture and elements of natural play within a Results show that the total number of visits to the bandstand presents a park update. managed garden space. KG in 2014 was in the region of 10.3 million. This compares to 12.8m for Hyde Park (greatest) 4. Future proof opportunities for challenging and Management Opportunities: and 2.3m for Bushy Park (lowest). VISITOR SAFETY imaginative play within the Diana Playground Visitor Safety Questions around the perception of quality as part of the playground review. Health and Safety Standards: The Royal Parks found that 97% of visitors to KG rated the 1. The SPP determines the three police will strive for excellence in health and safety quality of the park as either ‘excellent’ (68%) or priorities for the forthcoming period. management and, through the provision of ‘good’ (29%). The safety rating was very positive, beautiful environments and exciting opportunities 99% of respondents felt the park was very safe. to engage with and enjoy the parks, promote PLAY The surveys indicates that 32% of visitors to the health and well being in the communities we park were from London, a further 15% from Children’s Play: Kensington Gardens has a serve. other parts of the UK with 49% coming from long association with children and children’s other countries. Means of transport were 54% Crime: The Royal Parks will work with the Police play. The two playgrounds at Buck Hill and walking, 37% by public transport, 5% cycling, sensitively to maintain the low levels of crime the Diana Playground are considered to 2% by car. Most visits, 29% were between one currently enjoyed and to seek opportunities provide excellent facilities, the latter famous for and two hours, 26% between 2 and 3 hours, 19% for the further reduction of crime. A policy developing a child’s awareness of imaginative between 30 and 60 minutes, and 11% between 3 of community policing shall continue to be play. The Diana Playground is a supervised and 4 hours. pursued supported by a Dedicated Police Officer play facility providing a range of formal and When questioned about what people planned and close links with the Safer Parks Panel (SPP). informal play experiences for children of all to do in the park on the days of the survey abilities up to the age of 12, and appropriate Vandalism: The Royal Parks shall ensure that 82% of people suggested they came for general facilities for their carers. vandalism is kept to the minimum through reasons such as a walking and enjoying the consideration of potential vandalism in new Play leaders at the Diana Playground: Interact fresh air, this being 6% above the TRP average. developments and provision of infrastructure, with children and their grown-ups ensuring the 63% of respondents came for exercise and although this will not be allowed to unbalance management of safe boundaries for children sporting reasons with 15% for children activities, other aspects relating to visitor comfort, historical playing. They reunite lost children with their 14% for planned activities and 10% stated they considerations, or visual quality. The removal grown-ups, provide first aid, undertake live visited to enjoy nature, plants and animals. of visible signs of vandalism will be a priority. head counts. They have a support role for Respondents were asked what, if any, Graffiti will be removed within 48 hours and school groups namely meeting each group, activities they would like to see the park offer. other infrastructure repaired at the earliest checking their bookings and providing 17% would like to see cultural events and practicable opportunity. induction for school children and carers activities, 16% would like to see entertainment escorting them to their identified space. activities, 10% sports and exercise and 5% for children’s activities. PART 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 76 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 77 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

SIGNIFICANCE OF Before this Plan continues here with Character inform the management of a significant place. These are: Areas, in which the significance and condition The statement will therefore need review in the Evidential value: the potential of a place to KENSINGTON GARDENS of each is assessed, this short section seeks to light of new information, and periodically, to yield evidence about past human activity and reveal what is meant by those terms. reflect evolving perceptions of value’.18 ‘to contribute to people’s understanding of the past’. This may be archaeology, geology, Management of Park Significance landforms, species or habitats. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Following Historic England’s (HE) articulation Historical value: the ways in which past people, The statement of significance explains why the of Significance and its values, brings additional events and aspects of life can be connected site is unique and the qualities and attributes clarity to TRP’s approach which is already through a place to the present. Historical that are important. These qualities and sympathetic to these values. Below are brief understanding that comes from ‘reading’ the attributes combine to demonstrate the overall extracts from HE’s definitions of the values landscape, that is observable, gains in value significance of Kensington Gardens. The which they judge as elements of significance. by completeness. This is known as illustrative statement of significance becomes the basis We have added biodiversity as a criterion of value. Associative historical values are made for developing policies and management value: this is an important acknowledgement through people identifying and connecting guidelines to ensure that positive aspects of of the value of our flora and fauna, their a place with cultural heritage; literature, the Gardens are conserved in perpetuity: while significance in our parks, and an implied art, music, film, scientific or technological consideration of condition in conjunction with acknowledgement of the significance that discoveries. Continuing use of a place as is significance will guide management actions. biodiversity has for us. historically appropriate, that ‘illustrates its ‘A statement of significance of a place relationship between design and function’ should be a summary of the cultural and HE guide us towards their values of enhances its value. natural heritage values (evidential value, significance thus: ‘Sustainable management of a historic value, aesthetic value, communal, place begins with understanding and defining Aesthetic value:20 the ways in which people “Sustainable management of a place [and biodiversity value16)currently attached how, why, and to what extent it has cultural draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from to it and how they inter-relate, which distils and natural heritage values:– Only through a place. Something can gain in aesthetic value begins with understanding and the particular character of the place. It should understanding the significance of a place is it over time as people’s aesthetic values change defining how, why, and to what extent explain the relative importance of the heritage possible to assess how the qualities that people or develop, as has happened with several art it has cultural and natural heritage values of the place (where appropriate, by value are vulnerable to harm or loss. That movements. A full spectrum of sensory and reference to criteria for statutory designation), understanding should then provide the basis cognitive perceptions and associations are values: – Only through understanding how they relate to its physical fabric, the extent for developing and implementing management instruments of aesthetic reception, coming the significance of a place is it possible of any uncertainty about its values (particularly strategies (including maintenance, cyclical together at a scale that engages the person in to assess how the qualities that people in relation to potential for hidden or buried renewal and repair) that will best sustain the intense awareness; a ‘bodily engagement with elements), and identify any tensions between heritage values of the place in its setting.’19 the environment, (which) when integrated in value are vulnerable to harm or loss. potentially conflicting values. So far as possible, Any single part of the values of significance active perception, becomes aesthetic.’21 That understanding should then it should be agreed by all who have an interest in may hold one, several or all values of Communal value: ‘the meanings of a place for the place. The result should guide all decisions significance; they are inter-related. It is provide the basis for developing and the people who relate to it, their collective about material change to a significant place.’17 important to consider each value so as not implementing management strategies experience or memory closely bound up with It is recognised that the statement of to overlook their individual importance. associations of historical and aesthetic values (including maintenance, cyclical significance is an informed judgement made (Quotations are all from Historic England’s (which) tend to have additional and specific from a particular set of data, and applying Conservation and Guidance: Policies and renewal and repair) that will best aspects. Commemorative and symbolic values prevailing perceptions of value, primarily to Principles (2008)). sustain the heritage values of the reflect place in its setting.” 16 TRP added category to HE text 18 HE Conservation Principles, Policies, 20 Refer to Appendix 2 for a definition 17 HE Conservation Principles, Policies, Guidance 2008, p. 40 of landscape aesthetic HISTORIC ENGLAND Guidance 2008, p. 40 19 HE Conservation Principles, Policies, 21 Arnold Berleant Living in the Landscape: toward Guidance 2008, p. 14 an aesthetics of environment 1997, p. 110 78 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 79 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

PLAN OF THE CHARACTER AREAS the meaning of a place for those who draw part of their identity from it, or have emotional links with it. ...Social value is associated with places that people perceive as a source of identity, distinctiveness, social interaction and coherence.’ Social values may be actions and MARLBOROUGH GATE ANDMARLBOROUGH THE GATE / happenings that are associated with a place. ITALIAN ITALIANGARDENS FOUNTAINS QUEENSWAY BOUNDARY AND NORTH FLOWER WALK BAYSWATER QUARTER Biodiversity value: the value of ecosystem

FIR processes and of biological integrity. People, QUEENSWAY BOUNDARY AND NORTH FLOWER WALK QUARTER BUCKHILL not the main recipients, may gain through HORSE BUCK HILL QUARTER understanding landscape as being further than

CHESTNUT solely visual, and through their perception of QUARTER T H ‘nature’ being natural, the sound and activities E

L O of insects, of birds, bats and so on. N GRINDSTONE LONGG WATER W QUARTER SANCTUARYA T OLD STABLE E R SIGNIFICANCE OF WILDERNESS QUARTER PERKS S & DIANA A FIELD RYE GRASS N THE GARDENS AS A WHOLE PLAYGROUND C T QUARTER U A R The designs for Kensington Gardens illustrate Y

BASIN WILDERNESS the transition from Baroque in the earlier (NORTH-WEST) plans of London and Wise close to the Palace. The Gardens are, despite slight changes and restorations, a largely extant landscape example TEMPLE QUARTER COOMBS of the later work of Vanbrugh, Bridgeman QUARTER and Kent. There are expressions of each in the ROUND POND AND BASIN NORTH & SOUTH FEATHERS WILDERNESS Gardens: ‘the stage set/military landscape scale (SOUTH-WEST) UPPER of Vanbrugh extending out to the ha-ha and KENSINGTON COLT TEMPLE bastions overlooking Hyde Park; the extensive PALACE QUARTER COOMBESQUARTER QUARTER delivery and detail of Bridgeman including substantial earthworks to hold up and present the Round Pond within a plain on a tilted canvass; and an elysian, Arcadian feel of

MOUNT Kent’s temple and meadow heralding the BROAD MOUNT COLT QUARTER 22 WALK QUARTER emerging style of the English landscape.’ QUARTER The significance of the layered work of DIAL OLD POND WOOD WALK Vanbrugh and Bridgeman at Kensington Gardens is heightened by rarity value, through the subsequent effacing of their work SOUTH SOUTH FLOWER WALK at Blenheim and Stowe by ‘Capability’ Brown. WILDERNESS THE ALBERT MEMORIAL & EAST AND WEST LAWNS

22 LUC ‘Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy’ 2010, p. 14 80 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 81 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

SUMMARY OF EXTENT OF SIGNIFICANCE23 EVIDENTIAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES AESTHETIC VALUES COMMUNAL VALUES A summary of the main values of Kensington Archaeological features (historical (lost) A resonance of nurturing is conveyed Gardens is presented in the following page. Close association with Royalty: the Gardens designed landscape and Second World in the Gardens towards its inspired This seeks to attribute a comparative grading as the setting for Kensington Palace, a historic War features). RCHME survey. design; its multiple axes of tree avenues; of the extent of significance of each of the royal residence from 1689–1780 and continued N R L its vibrant ‘natural’ landscape. principal qualities and features of the Gardens: close association with royalty in residence. N R L More recently setting for memorials to Diana I INTERNATIONAL Kensington Gardens is a Princess of Wales (playground and walk). N NATIONAL Grade 1 Listed Landscape Strong historical ambience; features of I N R L R REGIONAL N R L importance from previous eras making L LOCAL tangible multi-layers of historical influences. Association with several of England’s Royal usage dating from Henry VIII’s deer I N R L NOTE: greatest landscape designers – London, hunting park (1536); the monarch’s residence Please refer to Landscape Character Wise, Vanbrugh, Bridgeman and Kent. in the 18th Century; and royals’ residence The route of part of the green link from I N R L areas text, Section 10 for expressions in 20th and 21st Century. Kensington to and the West End. of Significance of individual parts of N R L Recognized tourist corridor. Green lung in the gardens. Strong association with themes of ‘childhood’: the heart of the city, special qualities of peace Peter Pan (J.M Barrie) and the Diana, Landscape design conserved by important and tranquillity. Princess of Wales Memorial playground. landscape designers of the early 18th century, N R L I N R L an important period at the start of the English Landscape Movement: Vanbrugh, Important parkland in the city environment Informal recreation resource for tourists, plus Bridgeman and Kent; and evidence of the designated as Metropolitan Open Land cherished recreation asset for local community. work of London and Wise. (MOL) in The London Plan: Spatial I N R L Development Strategy for London (2011). Formal avenues on multiple axes are a fine N R L Community value recognised through example of an extant Bridgeman (1730) landscape. strong Friends Group and in the Local Plans. I N R L Numerous destinations; Flower Walks, Italian Fountains, Boating Pond etc plus good range The Gardens as landscaped setting for Kensington of amenities and facilities. Palace (Grade 1) and surviving historic buildings: BIODIVERSITY VALUES R L the Queen Caroline’s Temple 1734 (William Kent); Queen Anne’s alcove 1705, (Sir Christopher Wren), Range of important habitats including acid The gardens’ association with style and The Orangery 1704-5, (Nicholas Hawksmoor); grassland, meadow, veteran trees, standing arts is reinforced with prestigious events such Victorian set pieces, Italian Gardens, Albert open water and marginal habitat including as Art Antiques London, and Burberry. Memorial. Listed Building Status. reedbeds, supporting a range of species. N R L I N R L I N R L

19th Century water technology supplying water Site of Metropolitan Importance (SMI) to the Italian Fountains and the Round Pond. in The London Plan: Spatial Development Many other important buildings including Strategy for London Westminster BAP. lodges and gates, plus monuments and statuary N R L with Grade II listing. N R L

23 See Appendix II on Significance 82 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 83 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

CONDITION These are defined as follows: These elements combined with the landscape REINFORCE condition help us to determine overall condition. Landscape Condition24 Good condition = Landscape with a strong REINFORCE AND CONSERVE GOOD CONSERVE TRP have various tools at its disposal to coherent character and sense of place, a Landscape Significance vs. Condition assess overall landscape condition as well as distinctive place, well managed and well REINFORCE CONSERVE CONSERVE We use significance vs. condition as a tool to AND AND AND the individual components or elements that maintained which is generally intact but CREATE CREATE RESTORE highlight locations for where management MEDIUM make up the landscape. with some detractors (elements that detract of condition is most important. This assists In terms of overall landscape condition from the overall coherence), not all elements CREATE in developing overall management aims and CREATE AND RESTORE

TRP use methodology from landscape well managed and maintained and may be POOR RESTORE priorities for each character area and the policies character assessment to guide our approach. inconsistent. CONDITION  that will guide future management actions. Assessment of landscape condition (or quality)... is LOW MEDIUM HIGH Moderate condition = Landscape character The table below sets significance vs. based on judgements about the physical state of the SIGNIFICANCE which is generally intact but with some detractors condition as an approach to help us determine landscape, and about its intactness, from visual, (elements that detract from the overall coherence), and prioritise management actions, it uses functional, and ecological perspectives. It also reflects not all elements well managed and maintained a simple traffic light system to guide the At the end of each Landscape Character area the state of repair of individual features and elements and may be inconsistent. reader/ Park Manager towards the most this table gives a visual summary of its condition which make up the character in any one place. significant and critical i.e. highly significant in relation to its significance. Using the traffic An important consideration of Landscape Poor condition = Landscape character is landscape character areas in poor condition light system is an aid to set priorities and Condition is the integrity and unity of the fragmented and incoherent, lacks distinctive and conversely highlighting areas where new alerts the Park Manager to look closer at the landscape that creates a sense of place. In character with a number of detractors, poorly interventions/ or opportunities can best be underlying detail so as to progress towards determining landscape condition TRP managed and maintained, and lacks a clear accommodated. appropriate management decisions. adopts best practice/ guidance which looks sense of management and maintenance. In broad terms this sets out the most at the pattern of landscape elements, their With regard to component landscape appropriate approach: distinctiveness and coherence and how they elements TRP has a wide range of surveys, are managed and maintained. maintenance and health and safety inspection  conserve the best For the purposes of its management plans regimes etc that help us to build up a picture of high significance/good condition and to facilitate analysis, condition is simply the condition of landscapes including:  restore the most vulnerable classed as good, moderate or poor.  Play equipment: regular maintenance high significance/poor condition . inspections, ROSPA annual inspections  reinforce the weak  Buildings and hard infrastructure: regular low significance/good condition inspections and quadrennial surveys  create – look for opportunities  Trees: regular Health and Safety Inspections, low significance/poor condition disease inspections and detailed analysis of tree stock for strategic work

 Ecology : Phase 1 habitat surveys, full 24 Jane Pelly April 2016 using references: National Vegetation Classification Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental surveys and species specific surveys Management & Assessment (2013), Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment,  Green Flag/ Green Heritage: feedback Third Edition, London: Routledge annually from a landscape professional’s An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment – perspective October 2014, Christine Tudor, Natural England www.gov.uk/natural-england  Landscape Maintenance Contract Ashford Local development Framework Landscape and Facilities Management reports Character Study for Ashford Borough Council and English Partnerships November 2005, Studio Engleback 84 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 85 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Buck Hill

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER The gardens have twelve areas of distinctive character, different in their appearance and content and, importantly, in their management. (One of these areas The Quarters is itself made up of fifteen parts). This section collects together for each area a description, expression of its significance and of its condition, guiding polices and aims for actions and aspirational goals.

Buck Hill is an elevated area forming the north Sackler Gallery and subsequent works/police east corner of the park, physically severed from yards, the Peacock Shelter and children’s the main part of the Gardens by the Long Water. playground. The sense of separation is reinforced by its Buck Hill’s differentiated identity, in addition elevated landform (the Ranelagh storm relief to those features noted above, is also generated by sewer was open trenched through Buck Hill in the loss of much of the formal landscape pattern 1874 and arisings from the lake dredging were of tree planting. The area’s distinct character is deposited here) and the relaxed informal character further enhanced by the largely rural skylines, contrasting with the formality created by the overlooking the Long Water towards a skyline avenues and walks of the main part of Kensington of mature trees, punctuated by church spires, Gardens. The area formed the eastern limits of the with only an occasional dominant tall building Georgian layout, representing Queen Caroline’s outside the park boundary. extension of the Gardens to the ha-ha and bastions To the north of the area the children’s in 1731. The hill provides the termination of the playground is situated on the hillside within vista along Front Walk from Kensington Palace peripheral planting. The octagonal Peacock Walk which will become more emphatic when the Shelter, also known as Buck Hill Shelter (1930), young liguidamber tree group have matured. is a further prominent feature. The thin acid soils Previously it had continued the avenue of formal of the river terrace gravels have created areas of planting; notwithstanding, today it continues to acidic grassland with a number of characteristic provide dramatic reciprocal views back to the and distinctive species. Palace. The area has been subject to significant The allotment area, situated adjacent to the changes and adaptations including filling in of park offices and the contractor’s works yard, the ha-ha and bastions (and later re-excavation has been run by volunteers since 2009. As an and interpretation of the North Bastion in 1995), education and demonstration garden and a hub the war time location for a camouflage school, for the volunteers, it is open for events acquisition of the Magazine, now the Serpentine and school visits. 86 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 87 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Buck Hill continued

SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION POLICY PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS The historic and pleasing view Traces of the Bastions, and the The temporary double stacked The policy is to enhance and Conserve and create: enhance and 1. Reinforce pattern of trees and along the Buck Hill axis to the perimeter ha-ha boundary, an portacabins serving the landscape reinforce the identity and function reinforce the identity and function successional planting: reinforce  Front Walk central vista. expression of the fashion of a contractor degrade views to the of Buck Hill as an integral part of Buck Hill as an integral part of historic arcing line of trees in upper Historical/Aesthetic value military aesthetic utilised by Vanbrugh. south east. of Kensington Gardens. A key Kensington Gardens: to restore and Buck Hill and impact of focal Historical/Communal value TRP assessment Summer 2015 objective is to restore and reinforce reinforce the historic Front Walk liquidamber trees on Front Walk axis. CONDITIONS A phenomenal and sudden transition the historic Front Walk axis to axis to Kensington Palace across the Increase the quality and quantity of SIGNIFICANCE of spectacular views including the Valuable areas of acid grassland The lower graded ground flora Kensington Palace eastwards across Long Water. Enhance and reinforce acid grassland , maximise biodiversity, change in prospect from long straight and of transitional acid grassland ‘unclassified open vegetation’ the Long Water to exploit the the looser more informal character encouraging locally important views down Front Walk vista; to a on Buck Hill. (NVC Map from (NVC Ground Flora Survey of Hyde dramatic views to the Palace, and of the remaining area which should species. Enhance habitat structure completely different view as once past Ground Flora Survey of Hyde Park Park and Kensington Gardens 2013) to maintain access to and visibility continue to function as a tranquil with islands of native scrub and the avenue line, the view is slantwise and Kensington Gardens 2013) of the recent clearance around the of the ha-ha and bastions. part of the park with a semi-rural understorey, on a rotation of cutting, across all avenues; with the effect of In addition to this biodiversity Henry Moore Arch results from character, with its distinctive acid for aesthetic and biodiversity looking at a landscape of thousands value, the grassland conveys a a stipulation by the Henry Moore For the remainder of the area the grassland and views to wooded benefits.Extend hedge laying on of trees as if towards a forest. sense of authentic nature. Foundation following its looser more informal character, horizons/skyline conserved and eastern periphery, reinforcing Aesthetic/Communal value Biodiversity/Communal value re-positioning in 2011, that the that has developed is considered enhanced. visibility of the ha-ha and bastions Arch is to be set in close cut turf. to be appropriate. The area should and utilising woodland craft. Peacock Walk provides a popular continue to function as a quiet circular walking and running The main Front Walk vista is well tranquil part of the park with a 2. Remove the temporary route around the Long Water and framed; its terminating liquidambar semi-rural character, with its maintenance works office Serpentine. Communal value trees, though too young to yet make distinctive acid grassland and buildings, replace with new much impact, are in good health. views to wooded horizons /skyline accommodation. Make timely TRP assessment Spring 2016 conserved and enhanced. repairs to Buck Hill Shelter.

The Buck Hill (Peacock) Shelter 3. Upgrade playground and is in need of repairs. 35 better integrate into setting. Condition Survey, David Adams June 2016

Landscape Integrity: Good 88 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 89 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Queensway Boundary and North Flower Walk:

The North Flower Walk forms a small character area along SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS the north east part of the Gardens, at the boundary with the North Flower Walk’s previous The current condition has let go Create and restore: Renovate 1. Renovation: Plans to renovate Bayswater Road. The area has its origins as a nineteenth century historic identity as part of the of its connection to the Gardens’ and rejuvenate the character and the planting in North Flower Walk  feature (present by 1897) lying mainly in the former Bayswater ‘berceau’ or walk of shade; a delicious historic evolution, supporting an quality of North Flower Walk as will be implemented. These include House site. The area is stocked with a range of ornamental trees, and appealing place eclectic variety of trees with some a major feature beside the two restoration of the North Flower to stroll for the monarch on dull, overgrown shrubs and with main entrances of Marlborough Walk to become established as

including Pinus nigra, with more limited shrub and bedding CONDITIONS the way to and as the site of the only small colourful interventions. Gate and Lancaster Gate: support a destination in its own right; to SIGNIFICANCE areas and naturalised bulbs in lawns. The area is currently Bayswater ‘Breakfasting House’; (TRP assessment Summer 2015) its identity with horticultural have a stronger sense of identity, lacking in horticultural interest, noting its horticultural origin, this will inform the future interest and diversity. promoting horticultural and with the shrubs neither forming pattern or display, and with development of the space. Links Some fine black pine and London landscape excellence; and to relate gated access. The Queensway Boundary continues the Gardens’ to the botanist William Forsythe, plane trees, also early spring to a clear theme to re-establish links and the plant Forsythia named flowering trees, underplanted with to its historical past. Consistent northern boundary with the Bayswater Road westwards to the after him. spring bulbs; and evergreen trees path maintenance and palette of Broad Walk. Evidential/Historical value (Hollies and Evergreen Oaks) furniture (bins and benches) will offering habitat value in winter. further reinforce the distinctiveness This area serves as a valuable (Arboriculture, Matt Oakley, June 2016) of this area. Restorative pruning visual and aural buffer to the and management of mature shrubs Bayswater Road. Quality of surfacing, street and break-out beds to support the Aesthetic value furniture and path layout poor. renovation. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) A range of tree species, shrub 2. Develop opportunities to borders and areas of naturalised The visual and aural buffer offered extend the hedge along the railings understorey contribute to by the planting is broken or too fronting Bayswater Road to provide biodiversity. thin in places to prevent the a stronger sense of enclosure and Biodiversity value intrusion of Bayswater Road. reduce the visual/aural influences of (TRP assessment Summer 2016) the main road.

Landscape integrity: Poor. Interface 3. Review and enhance naturalistic with Italian Gardens, potentially of bulb plantings along amenity grassed beautiful shade in contrast to fine areas along Bayswater boundary. sun-basking water gardens, is a poor fit both of quality and execution. 90 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 91 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Marlborough Gate and the Italian Gardens

The Italian Gardens (formerly known as the Italian Fountains) SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS are located in the north-east corner of the Gardens. A stylised The Italian Gardens are a distinctive The recent Tiffany funded project has Conserve: ensure a high standard 1. Paving should be renovated in formal water garden, they are a Victorian addition installed Victorian set piece to which large upgraded to an excellent condition of maintenance and presentation, certain areas so as to remedy the  in 1860–61 at the head of the Long Water, promoted by Prince numbers of the visiting public are the fountain statuary and furniture. that will conserve and enhance drainage problems by which areas Albert and designed by Robert Richardson Banks and Sir Charles attracted. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) this intact Victorian set piece, of are prone (Evidential/Historical/Communal value) its built components, planting to some shallow flooding.

Barry. The marble fountain, Tazza fountain and balustrade are Continuing investment in water CONDITIONS quality, attractive entrance and management infrastructure, pump SIGNIFICANCE by John Thomas. The purpose of the Pumphouse was to raise and Evidence of the Victorian technology popular destination point; its water 2. Undertake renovation of the two house in good condition. supply water to the head of the Long Water. The fountains were of beam engines pumping water from infrastructure and water quality; internal rooms within the historic supplied by St Agnes Well (1860) and cut off the Westbourne St. Agnes’ Well: five tunnels, culverts (TRP assessment Summer 2016) and its special views overlooking building of Queen Anne’s Alcove, stream (diverted to the Bayswater, Ranelagh, sewer), which had from the Westbourne stream, and Queen Anne’s Alcove in generally the Long Water. finding an appropriate after use. become increasingly polluted. From 1915 water was supplied a WWII water tank are extant. good condition; surface renovation Pipework evidences Hawksley’s treatment needed on oak panelling; 3. Restore the bench in Queen from new wells in St. James’s Park until the borehole from St Agnes aborted sewage filtration scheme. oak bench in poor condition. Anne’s Alcove and undertake Well was created in 1998. The Italian Gardens have continued (Evidential/Historical value) (Quadrennial survey) reconditioning maintenance to the oak panelling. to form a popular feature of the Gardens. Their substantial Cafe/ Kiosk and associated Queen Anne’s Alcove a unique and refurbishment under the 2011 Tiffany project has restored their hedging and planting are new popular feature. fabric and appearance. and in fine condition. (Historical/Aesthetic/Communal value) The area includes Queen Anne’s alcove, 1705 by Christopher (TRP assessment Summer 2016) Wren. This structure was originally sited against the Park Wall The area attracts people for its Good water quality. south facing sheltered aspect, looking at Dial Walk and was relocated to its present position in 1867. Colourful bedding maintained down the formal Italian Gardens A much frequented entrance to the Gardens is through to a high quality. and informal Long Water; a fine Marlborough Gate, opposite Lancaster Gate tube station. The gate arrangement of both complexity and (TRP assessment Summer 2015) itself (opened in 1851 it is the oldest, although one of the least order, of ornamental water gardens Landscape integrity: Good decorative, public gates into the park) leads to the very popular and of ‘naturally’ edged water. Italian Gardens, an area which large numbers of people enjoy, (Aesthetic/Communal value) milling among the Italian Gardens and congregating on the lower Naturalistic planting, mature hollies, slopes of Buck Hill. A new cafe with stunning views across the yews, evergreen oaks. Italian Gardens and Long Water offers light refreshments. (Biodiversity value)

92 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 93 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Long Water Sanctuary

The character area of The Long Water includes the vegetated SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION The Henry Moore sculpture is in borders on its east and west sides. It is a major feature of the The Long Water has developed In the area to the south east of A 2014 survey found the water to be generally good condition following gardens and is located within a shallow valley, the route of the from and evidences the location Buck Hill, beside the Long Water, ‘in good condition from an aesthetic its recent refurbishment: except  Westbourne stream and offers a quiet refuge for waterfowl. of the historic Westbourne Stream, is the ‘most floristically rich’ and visual amenity status’ with a low its white colouration has been and of the monks’ subsequent (TRP assessment Summer 2015) health risk to recreational users and The outline has subsequently been softened by the addition of discoloured to a shade of orange creation of a series of fishponds. part of the Gardens. wildfowl presented by the levels of

waterside planting (1843) and the adjacent sinuous path layout, by absorption of colour from the CONDITIONS Biodiversity value cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Evidential/Historical value orange sand ground mulch. SIGNIFICANCE which only occasionally touches the water’s edge. Today, the (TRP assessment Spring 2016) canal appears as a naturalistic water body following informal The Henry Moore Arch is located As a people attractor, the Long The view from the Serpentine lines. The contrast with the formal lines of the Georgian within the Gardens’ Front Walk Water is a favoured jogging and Biodiversity improvements have Bridge to the Italian Gardens is layout is effective and is a recurrent theme in the Gardens with main vista close to the water; walking destination, offering an resulted from successful peripheral almost circular nature route close ‘sanctuary’ planting. now obscured by vegetation growth. Victorian patterns running across, but still being subservient to, linking contemporary art and historic landscape aesthetics. to waterside vegetation. The Peter (Quadrennial survey) the earlier layout. The enclosed shrubberies surrounding the Landscape Integrity: Fair Aesthetic/Communal value Pan statue attracts many visitors. A Long Water have developed considerable nature conservation further attraction is a spot close by Water quality, in 2012 assessed as interest. These wildlife sanctuaries have been developing Aesthetically, the ‘natural’ qualities where hand-feeding birds is practised poor (eutrophic) is being monitored to since the 1970s containing, amongst native planting, residual of the Long Water are enhanced and admired daily. achieve “Water Framework Directive” by close juxtaposition with the Communal value “Good ecological status” by 2025. ornamental planting (Picea for instance). In addition the recent formal control and display of the Introduction of reedbeds has helped (2014) construction of a small gravel island as a loafing area for Italian Gardens. The important view over the to control water quality in the Long waterfowl constructed three metres off the north bank has further Aesthetic/Communal value Long Water from the Serpentine Water, which is shallow and was last increased habitat value. An area on the north bank and aligned Bridge towards the Italian Gardens. dredged in the 19th Century. with the Front Walk Avenue is home to the Henry Moore Arch, a The Long Water Sanctuary offers Aesthetic/Communal value (TRP assessment Summer 2016) undisturbed habitats to wildlife, magnificent artwork, through which the vista continues upwards for instance swans, grebes and The glade setting for Peter Pan in to Buck Hill. Set back from its south bank is the , cormorants: kingfishers have been which the statue is set on raised a destination for many. seen on a regular basis. ground of crazy paving, surrounded by Biodiversity value mown grass inside of unremarkable shrub and tree boundary, offers a poor presentation for this renowned and much visited statue. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) 94 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 95 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Long Water Sanctuary continued The Round Pond and North & South Feathers

PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS The Round Pond (which of course is not round) and its setting, Conserve and create: Conserve and 1. Renew and manage dense stands opportunities for novel and framed by the Great Bow with the formal grids of trees (the restore the informal, naturalistic of native vegetation surrounding innovative approaches to aquatic ‘Feathers’) to north and south are part of the original Bridgeman water management. character of the Long Water, a key the lake to lift the visual quality of layout. The pond is large in scale and central to the main linear feature within Kensington Gardens, the area and reveal the water, and view within the layout of the Gardens. Surviving trees to the with rejuvenation of scrub margins, to restore the view of the Italian 5. Control invasive species wildlife habitats and sanctuary areas Gardens from the Serpentine Bridge. such as mitten crab. north side are mainly 19th century, incomplete in extent. Trees for wildlife, so as to frame the lake An appropriate palette of waterside to the south side have been replanted in the 1990s to restore and to highlight, rather than hide, the trees, coppiced where appropriate 6. Improve the area around Peter the original pattern, leaving space around the bandstand for its Pan with accessible surfacing and water: to be achieved while including (willows, poplar and swamp continued use. Recent refurbishment works in 2014 to the Round and reinforcing a clear view in the cypress) should be used, and with with a landscape setting composed line of the Front Walk Vista. understorey with a mosaic of glades of appropriately inspired plantings Pond improved its periphery treatment, including removing the of wildflowers where approximately for its subject and context. incongruous short path link to the Broad Walk and recreating the 2/3 shrub/woodland to 1/3 open north path connections to the palace. meadow (with mown lawn on the 7. Around the Henry Moore Arch This is a gregarious area and gathering point within the consider opportunities to remove all Front Walk Vista). Gardens, the attractions of the waterside, large numbers of orange sand and replace with silver 2. Manage waterside grass areas to sand; following investigations swans and waterfowl and a range of paths providing access and consistent cutting regimes, areas of to ascertain correct treatment. suggesting circuits. Traditions of kite flying and model yacht meadow to provide textural diversity boating are much reduced in comparison with former times; and ecological interest, and with 8. Consider the sensitive autumn through to spring are the months which the Model Yacht occasional log piles, and areas of implementation of a boardwalk Sailing Association (MYSA) is active, leaving the busy summer mown lawn around the Moore Arch. and associated marginal planting/ habitat creation to enable visitors months to general recreation activities at the Round Pond. Band 3. Eradicate invasive weeds: Japanese to access wildlife; and to make concerts have become occasional rather than frequent. Short knotweed should be controlled by further improvements to biodiversity. mown grass and deckchair hire accommodate relaxing behaviour. stem injection treatments. Four of the main tree avenues find their focal anchor at the 9. Review the extent and quality Round Pond. It also creates the main feature of the Front Walk 4. Work towards improving water of the entire Long Water margins quality through aeration, filtration, to consider further marginal planting sight line to the Henry Moore sculpture and beyond. and water circulation; improved including extending and linking management of waterfowl to existing reedbeds and the creation control nutrient loading. Review of further marginal habitat. 96 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 97 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Round Pond and North & South Feathers continued

SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS Historically, the Round Pond Trees in the South Feathers and Water quality has improved through Conserve: Conserve and enhance the 1. Following recent replanting in the 5. Implement monthly visual developed in the C18 from an Great Bow have received additions the use of borehole water as a integrity and character of the Round Great Bow, some adjustments are observation monitoring of water essential watering source for stock, since 1982 of young healthy means to flush the system but Pond: its recently restored alignment needed to alignments of other trees quality.  into a purely pictorial feature: one tree stock; most rduring ecently eutrophic conditions are always of the historic tree pattern and in the North and South Feathers: that brought about great earthworks restoration possible in urban lakes. appointed paths, connectivity with some infill of tree lines in the North 6. Restore the Silver Thimbles

to create a level plain for the water CONDITIONS work to the Great Bow in 2015/16. the Palace, and twentieth century Feathers and restoration of the lost, shelters. SIGNIFICANCE to settle into. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) Improved now provides addition of commemorative Silver southernmost line of trees, using Historical/Aesthetic/Communal value consistent levels of borehole water Thimbles shelters. a mix of species selecting from 7. Maximise use of the bandstand. The North Feathers has been delivered when required to assist oak, beech, sweet chestnut, lime, The extent of its assessed as being made up of mainly in water flushing for managing hornbeam. 8. Achieve matching swards where attracts many park visitors and mature trees with some gaps, thus water quality. intended e.g. improving the soil lends itself to the special enthusiasm weakening the coherence of the grid. 2. Manage informal groups and condition where paths have been of members of the MYSA: a largely (Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy Some damage can occur to close games in this area to minimise and removed; and repair grass surfacing weekend pursuit that continues 2014, p32, LUC) mown amenity turf due to group prevent damage. in the Front Walk plain. to draw onlookers. sports activities. Communal value The surfacing, shaping and 3. Continue to improve sustainable 9. Maintain the integrity of the contouring of the path margins The Silver Thimble shelters water management to overcome the outfall from the Round Pond into the and corners of the Round Pond is remain incomplete until their challenge of its high nutrient levels Long Water. Undertake exploratory in excellent condition following seating is restored. resulting from duck and geese faeces. surveys to ascertain leaking. recent restoration works. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) Landscape Integrity: Good 4. Increase borehole water supply 10. Enforce the dogs on leads policy. from the ‘Hyde 2’ borehole when Leakage on the south side was this is completed in late 2016. improved with the perimeter surfacing works; however the downstream outfall culverts are in a poor state. (Edward Strickland, email correspondence, October 2015) 98 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 99 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Quarters

The Quarters form the largest extent of the Gardens from the east SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION AIMS side of the Broad Walk to the west shore of the Long Water and The formative materials, types and Historic planting content in Determining the character of the 1. Manage risks of ageing population framed to north and south by the respective Flower Walks. habitats, of grassland and trees, of the Quarters is evident in their areas of the different Quarters is of trees: define their composition,  Essentially the spaces between the avenues, there are 14 identified the Quarters, are now defining landscapes of different characters much improved in recent years. risks and projected patterns as a quarters (and some further sub-divisions), almost entirely defined characterful areas of the Gardens, that have been the subject of strategic and planned renewal. acting as strong counterpoints to sensitive restorative management Landscape integrity: Fair

by the radiating, diagonal and cross avenues of Bridgeman’s CONDITIONS the avenues which are their defining treatment in recent years: and 2. Enhance the transitional acid SIGNIFICANCE layout. At the centre of the Quarters is the meeting point of boundaries. It is remarkable to of Queen Caroline’s Temple with grassland so important to the eight separate Quarters, and at the crux of these avenues is the walk the desire line, a sign that this its surrounding Kentian setting. character of Temple Quarter, Physical Energy Statue, its visual importance reinforced by being is enjoyed by many, in Rye Grass, Historical value PRINCIPAL AIM Coombes Quarter, Rye Grass situated on the Front Walk vista from Kensington Palace. At the Chestnut and Horse Quarters, The Quarters – general Quarter, Stable Quarter, the Basin that seems, by its wilder plantings Wildernesses NW and SW Quarters, All the avenues of the Gardens, Conserve and create: Conserve meeting of the Chestnut, Bayswater, Horse and Stable Quarters, with quantities of crickets and Grindstone Quarter (east) and except for those on the west side the overall layout of avenues and the Speke monument is situated just off the avenue alignment, a grasshoppers and birds, to be in the Horse Quarter (south); for example of the Gardens, are boundaries for continue to regenerate gradations second focal point where Quarters meet. countryside, and utterly removed by well-timed cuttings, following the Quarters, historic defining and of tree canopies in separate from the city: evidently valued recommendations in the 2013. The names of the Quarters date mainly from the mid-late interrelating elements in rhythm and Quarters to reinforce the historically by many. eighteenth century, varying somewhat on different plans, character. differentiated identities for each of (Ground Flora Survey, Historical/Aesthetic/Communal/ Farrer Huxley Associates 2013) although some names – ‘Grindstone’, ‘Horse’, ‘Chestnut’ and Historic/Aesthetic/Biodiversity values the Quarters: reflect the historic Biodiversity value character of openness and meadows ‘Temple’ Quarter - are consistent and still in use. The pattern of 3. Support increasing biodiversity: in the eastern Quarters. Quarters was modified by the additional cross avenue aligned The Quarters contain some of the seek improvements in habitat on the Albert Memorial without removing the original avenues more biodiverse area of the Gardens: management; in mowing regimes; care acid grassland, veteran trees, tree to minimise nutrient enrichment and of South Walk, thereby slicing off some of the land from the Colt monoliths with associated saproxylic to keep only partial canopy cover.60 Quarter. Changes over time have included the Rye Grass Quarter invertebrates, and surrounding (From the Kensington Tree Strategy being sub-divided by the siting and enclosure of the sheep-pen habitats and processes. Natural 2010, p3 & p32, LUC) (now the Leafyard): the Mount being erased from Mount Quarter; generation of tree stock contributes the demise of ‘firs’ from the Fir Quarter, recently re-introduced, a self generating stock of local 4. Manage towards reducing the provenance. proliferation of ball games in specific and the infilling and loss of the pond in “Old Pond Wood”. Biodiversity value quarters e.g. near the Round Pond, Front Walk and Basin Wilderness south-west. 100 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 101 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Quarters continued Temple Quarter

The decay of woodland trees brought about large scale AIMS continued An arcadian setting was achieved with the William Kent design AIM re-planting around 1880 which was undertaken without regard 5. Natural regeneration of trees for the Queen Caroline’s Temple positioned on a higher knoll, Reduce/remove selected trees and to the different characteristics of the Quarters . Following this will continue to be encouraged so flanked by trees, and looking beyond small groups of trees to re-compose the middle-ground, so loss of distinguishing features, recent sensitive management as to recruit local stock, in particular views of the Long Water. This Quarter has been noted as having as to open up the historical Kentian of the Quarters, for instance through areas having lower or sweet chestnut and oak. Undertake the most species rich ground flora of a transitional acid grassland view down to the Long Water and selective tree and scrub planting beyond to Rennie’s Serpentine Bridge higher, or more open or closed, tree canopies, with consequent and removal of undesirable self habitat in the Gardens. and Westminster. effects on ground flora and grassland, has influenced different sets: control domination of full tree characteristics. Interfaces between the Quarters, especially cover with careful management for where there is not a dividing tree avenue, can be subtle, but associated open meadow grassland: still markedly felt. Many have developed a meadow grassland undertaken so as to reinforce the Quarters’ characters. with considerable ecological diversity, which complements the wooded groups of trees. 6. Reinterpret the historic density of the western Quarters to achieve their distinctiveness with higher canopies, and without dense planting that is unsuitable to contemporary usage or detrimental to meadow. 102 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 103 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Rye Grass Quarter, Chestnut Quarter, Bayswater Quarter Stable Quarter and Horse Quarter

In large part these four quarters share a common character, a AIMS This triangular shaped area between three avenues, set back AIM ‘natural’ countryside aesthetic, comprising groups and individual 1. Reinforce the natural character from North Flower Walk, has less character than others, being Enhance the quality of acid grassland. trees, largely mature with ages ranging from veterans to young with additional shrub layer planting neither part of the formal gardens nor sufficiently removed from seedlings, interspersed understorey scrub, and meadow grasses. beside the Leafyard fence to create them. Its location keeps road traffic within hearing. However, it Natural regeneration of tree stock is managed to effect continuity woodland edge natural progression contains the largest patch of acid grassland in the Gardens. planting. Scope further woodland of tree stock and a natural aesthetic. Walking a well trodden edge planting to link with a proposed (Phase One Habitat map from the Ground flora desire line path illustrates their similarities. Notwithstanding, boardwalk through reedbeds by the Survey of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens 2013) there are changing aspects along the route. Rye Grass Quarter Long Water. and Stable Quarter show more open sky, with tree canopies being generally lower than adjacent Temple Quarter. The Chestnut 2. Good health management of veteran sweet chestnut trees: Quarter, bordering on the Leaf Pen area is of a semi-natural mulching over the root zone, to woodland habitat where tawny owls live. The Leaf Pen (where reduce compaction. The continuing green waste is processed) is surrounded by the visual and aural practice of allowing colonisation by screen of its deep margin of woody native vegetation. The Speke nettles and brambles, which benefits monument, on the other side of Chestnut Quarter, is prominent visitors safety and the tree roots, whilst also improving biodiversity. statuary set back from the confluence of avenues of the Great Bayswater Walk and the Lancaster Gate Walk. Horse Quarter, by contrast with Chestnut Quarter, has more dispersed tree plantings and greater openness. 104 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 105 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Fir Quarter Grindstone Quarter

The smallest of the quarters, a triangle of land close to main AIM Grindstone Quarter is one of the Historic Bosquet Quarters AIMS entrances somewhat lacking in character and for a long time Reinforce the character of ‘firs’, together with three others, the north-west and north-east Basin 1. New tree planting to keep the without any ‘firs’ that gave its name, having recently received reminiscent of historically wilder Wildernesses and Old Pond Wood that are arranged behind the western line of Great Bayswater restoration planting with three Pinus sylvestris in winter 2016. northern Scottish lands, only Great Bow that surrounds the Round Pond. Original planting Walk avenue which has lost a recently replanted with native was dense with serpentine routes through tree and understorey number of horse chestnut trees: to conifers Scots pine, potentially replant in avenue formation with by planting additional native planting. This distinction of planting density is now broadly non-single species trees. coniferous species such as larch. reversed with scrub and understorey planting having become more prominent since the nineteenth century (Kensington Tree 2. To reintroduce some understorey strategy 2010, p. 8) in the eastern Quarters, and entirely absent planting beside the replacement in the Historic Bosquet Quarters. This reversal has developed avenue trees, a continuation of understorey along the same line at through a combination of effects. The original dense planting the south of Horse Quarter. of the Historic Bosquet Quarters has suffered because half the trees were dead or dying in the late nineteenth century, and 3. To limit introduced tree planting subsequent replanting has been less dense. Any differentiation through the quarters; make use in the planting of the four Historic Bosquet Quarters was not of successional tree stock; species palette of e.g. oak, beech and respected by this replanting. (Kensington Tree strategy 2010, p. 11). hornbeam. The more open aspect of trees in grass is, furthermore, entirely appropriate for contemporary demands for open amenity spaces 4. Consider de-compaction close to main entrances. The ‘famous five’Aesculus hippocastanum treatments to the ‘famous five’ Aesculus hippocastanum ‘Baumannii’. ‘Baumannii’, a group of five mature, sterile, double flowering horse chestnuts feature here. The heavily trafficked north-west part of Grindstone Quarter, as the first area of park adjacent to main entrances, Black Lion Gate and Inverness Terrace Gate, necessitates short ‘amenity’ grass among the mix of trees. Grindstone Quarter’s south-eastern part is more open with younger trees and meadow grasses kept long in the summer months. 106 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 107 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Basin Wilderness North-West and Old Pond Wood Quarter Basin Wilderness South-West Quarter

Similar meadow aesthetics feature, as in the south-eastern AIMS Much of this area is covered by tree canopies from its considerable AIM Grindstone Quarter, with long meadow grasses up to the line 1. Make limited increases in the number of very mature trees. Gaps in this cover already have or To refine the mixed border planting of the Great Bow in summer; in winter mown approximately current density of tree planting, are planning to receive young trees. Meadow grasses occur in at the back of South Flower Walk twenty metres further back. The Basin Wilderness NW holds making use, where appropriate of some interstices, while towards the southern part that becomes towards more subtle colours, a mature parkland feel with mature trees in grassland. A naturally regenerated stock of oak, seasonally very wet, are untypical coarser grasses that are greens and blues, so as to lessen the hornbeam and sweet chestnut. incoherent contrast to the character character change is marked with Basin Wilderness SW, where managed with earlier cuttings. of Old Pond Wood. open grassland predominates under its younger trees and 2. Consider carefully selected The back of South Flower Walk marks the southern boundary slighter canopies. additions of some evergreen species. to Old Pond Wood, which is planted with a combined shrub layer and more ornamental planting, jarring with the very English wooded feel of the Quarter. By contrast, the hornbeam avenue on the eastern side accentuates, by its close juxtaposition, the woodland character. 108 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 109 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Upper Colt Quarter Colt Quarter

Upper Colt Quarter is a small Quarter has peripheral avenue AIM Stepping into Colt Quarter marks a transition into a substantial AIMS trees, and one or two other trees in mown grass. The aesthetic To refine the mixed border planting informal stand of mature oaks with a cluster of monoliths. The 1. Maintain the ‘No Cut’ is simple, an interlude between its neighbouring prominent at the back of South Flower Walk character of this Quarter changes as it opens out into unmown management that allows features. towards more subtle colours, meadow, acid grassland with patches of heather, Calluna relict plants to re-emerge greens and blues, so as to lessen the vulgaris, likely relict planting that has re-emerged from original and generate naturally. incoherent contrast to the character of Old Pond Wood. planting centuries earlier. 2. Manage the succession The back of South Flower Walk makes the southern boundary of tree saplings. and here the management strategy is to maintain a low key, predominantly native, shrub layer.

110 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 111 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Coombes Quarter Mount Quarter

Coombes Quarter is the backdrop of the Serpentine Gallery. AIM Largely defined by its avenue trees, and the busy entrance at AIM Away from the part closest to the Serpentine Gallery which Maintain this area to share the Mount Gate, with meadow to its western parts: nonetheless, Maintain as a quieter recreation area is intermittently used for art events, is an open meadow area ambience and setting for the nearby a mixed grouping of mature trees with leafed branches reaching to marking a changed ambience from with trees, of a broad age range, mainly towards its boundary. Queen Caroline’s Temple. the ground gives an unexpected verdancy. the adjacent Hyde Park. A horse-shoe area of grass receives short mowing. 112 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 113 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The South Flower Walk

The South Flower Walk is the southernmost strip from the Gardens’ SIGNIFICANCE: CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS eastern boundary to the Broad Walk in the west. It is a relatively The western part of South Flower Recent renovations have made Reinforce and conserve: strengthen 1. Provide improved interpretation/ narrow corridor of formal walkway flanked by shrub and Walk is one of the few areas in improvements to the planting, for South Flower Walk’s connection to information of the Albert Memorial  flowerbed areas, interspersed with ornamental trees, including the Gardens of concentrated horticultural interest and biodiversity its historic past as a quiet enclosed and South Flower Walk. some fine and unusual species. It enjoys a high standard of horticultural celebration. Its quiet value; though the retention of many promenade beside borders of presence in the Gardens, gated large sized dull shrubs, such as spotted horticultural excellence. 2. Consideration of an improved

maintenance and presentation. The area is relatively secluded CONDITIONS and screened from view, echoes laurel, diminishes the overall quality landscape setting and catering offer SIGNIFICANCE and enclosed from the main part of the Gardens providing its Victorian use as a nanny’s walk. of planting. for the Albert Memorial catering contrast and visual appeal; it is well used and enjoyed by visitors. Historical/Communal value (TRP assessment Summer 2015) kiosk. The section of gated corridor which contains most of the floral display, has helped to reduce conflicting uses (discouraging Several of the trees are important The new layout, surfacing and 3. Continue to enhance quality for their botanical interest, e.g. the timber seating are of lasting quality. and high horticultural standards use by joggers/cyclists/roller skaters etc). Since 2013 systematic date plum (Diospyros lotus) and (TRP assessment Summer 2015) within the South Flower Walk; landscape improvements have been delivered to improve the toothache tree (Zanthoxylum selective removals of longstanding surfacing, fencing, railings, entrances, seating and planting. americanum); and for their cultural Improved gated access has shrubs to make opportunities for Recent works has included reducing the size of many mature importance e.g. the weeping beech controlled usage, restoring calm extending the horticultural offering shrubs, and crown-lifting selected trees. This has improved light tree that featured in Peter Pan in to this thoroughfare. and refinement of over mature and Kensington Gardens. (TRP assessment Summer 2015) planting in the raised ‘stone’ beds. levels for refreshed under-planting and bedding. The south- Aesthetic/Communal value western part of the Walk has some distinctive raised ‘stone’ Landscape integrity: Good 4. Continue the planting island beds. A new irrigation system has been implemented in Frequented by birds, songbirds and improvements through to the 2016 and will supply borehole water to maintain existing and Little Owls; as well as bats and bees, eastern end of South Flower Walk South Flower Walk offers quantities planned horticultural improvements in good condition. and beyond to Mount Gate. of habitat and food sources from The east end of South Flower Walk leading to Mount Gate retained leaf litter and seed heads, (beyond the gated corridor) is delineated though not entirely and selected nectar plants across enclosed by its trees on the north side. On its south side is mixed the seasons. border planting, predominantly shrubs, though containing some Biodiversity/Communal value fine trees, including a group of flowering cherries, weeping Beech and Cedar of Lebanon. 114 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 115 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Dial Walk

Dial Walk retains a separate character and identity to the main part of the Gardens, being separated from them by the SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION: PRINCIPAL AIM: AIMS earth embankment of the Broad Walk on its east side, and by Implementation of the tree avenue Conserve and create: Maintain 1. Prioritise planting in the gaps Kensington Palace to its north. The embankment is an important The Dial Walk’s design is testament strategy has already and will and enhance the presentation of of West Row, elm and mulberry.  feature of Bridgeman’s design evidencing the topographical to to the early eighteenth century’s continue to make improvements to Dial Walk as the South Front of create the flat formal plateau containing the Round Pond. forceful changes of landscape Dial Walk. Kensington Palace with a clear 2. Improve landscape integrity: taste and style. London and Wise’s (TRP assessment Spring 2016) visual connection and linear axis manage organised children’s sport

The Bridgeman layout dismantled and superimposed on CONDITIONS implementation of two formal, to the Palace. activities and explore potential for SIGNIFICANCE the London and Wise layout, diluting Dial Walk’s relationship complex designs (the first with Landscape integrity: Fair temporary installation of historic with the palace: and in recent times, the formality of the borders edged with box hedges) garden layout. gardens has been disrupted by the addition of diagonal paths. followed, by Bridgeman’s largely Notwithstanding, the essential elements of close mown grass and extant design, putting the area to 3. Ensure the integrity, vulnerable to lawn and retaining the tree avenues. tree avenue remain from the Bridgeman layout. Reinforcement erosion, of the embankment adjoining (Evidential/Historical/Aesthetic value) the Broad Walk, an important to Dial Walk Avenue in its relationship with the palace is element of Bridgeman’s design. underway. In the winter of 2015/16 two tulip trees closest to The closest part of the Gardens to the palace were removed; an arc of a semi-circle of ten sweet Kensington High Street, it is largely 4. Review the condition of the chestnut trees, divided by the avenue, has been planted in their appreciated for the proximity of land drains to ensure prevention of its green space and enjoyed for damage to trees by water-logging. place, the ‘horns’ of the avenue. Further plans to strengthen Dial ball games and informal recreation; Walk Avenue (Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2014) involve side undertaken with the stunning pruning of the inner tulip tree avenue; and potentially, when the backdrop of Kensington Palace and young outer row of sweet chestnuts are sizeable, removal of all the Crowther Gates, the location of a shared memory where thousands tulip trees to open up a broader avenue. Gaps among two rows of floral tributes were laid after the of white mulberry trees to the west edge of Dial Walk, will be death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in filled. To create a substantial screen against the visual intrusion August 1997. of the modern high rise hotel on that side, a new line of elm (Communal/Aesthetic value) trees, Ulmus lutece, are being planted here in phases to replace Sweet Chestnuts were planted in the a declining avenue of horse chestnut. This began in the winter of Golden Jubilee year of 2002 in the 2015/16. outer lines of central avenue trees. (Historical/Communal value) 116 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 117 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The South Wilderness

The South Wilderness is a relatively small triangular piece of land SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS at the south end of Dial Walk. It has recently been reinforced with This small triangular piece ‘squaring A relatively recent planting, the Reinforce and conserve: sustain a 1. Increase native planting, planting additional native tree and shrub planting to help restore its off’ Dial Walk has recently restored condition is good with potential naturalistic and ‘wild’ irregularity advantageously to the seasonally wet  deliberately contrasting character: informal, irregular in all its the historical Bridgeman’s planting. for further habitat diversity as the to the material content, and in the conditions in the south-west corner. It is now developing its habitat planting matures. spirit of Bridgeman’s design, to dimensions, and stocked with native plantings of medlar, hawthorn, content and structure to benefit (TRP assessment Summer 2015) ‘square off’ the regular geometry 2. Consider hedge laying as a

blackthorn, guelder rose, hazel, mountain ash, hornbeam and CONDITIONS wildlife and specifically targeted at of Dial Walk with a contrasting traditional technique to maintain SIGNIFICANCE holly, oak, lime, Princeton elm and sweet chestnut. This area house sparrows. Sitting in the grasses Kings Arms Gate – poor entrance. reminder of nature; whilst retaining a low hedge height. creates a visual and auditory buffer to the busy Kensington Road. of the flowery meadow is proving Down at heel and in need of a clear line of sight from Kensington popular with lunchtime visitors. attention; gate style inappropriate High Street through Dial Walk to the 3. Continue to monitor the Historical/Biodiversity/Aesthetic/ in its modesty for a much used south front of Kensington Palace. Princeton elms. Communal value entrance to the Gardens and for tourists’ visits to the palace. 4. Review rotational woodland South Wilderness is located as a (TRP assessment Spring 2016) management regimes of coppicing continuation of the wildlife corridor and pollarding to manage woody of South Flower Walk, important to Landscape integrity: Fair species. benefit bats. Biodiversity value 5. Appraise function and location of existing gates (Victoria Road The South Wilderness interrupts its Gate and King’s Arm Gate) and bosque characteristics to maintain consider opportunities to improve clear sightlines of the same width the access to and presentation of as Dial Walk Avenue between the the south-west front of Kensington palace and Kensington High Street. Palace and reinstate the linear axis. Historical/Aesthetic value 6. Refurbish and renew Kings Arms Gate and entrance from Kensington High Street 118 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 119 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Old Wilderness and The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

The north-western corner of the Gardens extending southwards SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS to the north of The Orangery and Kensington Palace Gardens, The Diana Playground is significant The Old Wilderness area has, aside Create and restore: sustain and 1. Take inspiration from the original westwards to Perk’s Field, and eastwards to the Broad Walk, retains for its great popularity, its design from the play content, entirely lost creatively reinforce the setting for design of Wise’s Wilderness to plan  a separate identity to the main part of the Gardens. Formerly part and play value appreciated by its historic character, today being the playground and, to dissipate the for a playable landscape for all, and of a Wilderness garden laid out by Henry Wise in 1704-05 for children and by play professionals. more of a buffer zone between negative impact of heavy use and to explore opportunities to extend Historical/Communal value The Royal Household’s Perk’s Field, queuing, extend a playful landscape play to include an older group

Queen Anne, only part of this area falls within the extent of the CONDITIONS and the Gardens’ Broad Walk. into the surrounding informal area of children throughout the Old SIGNIFICANCE publicly accessible park today, with the remainder, Perk’s Field, Historic feature the Elfin Oak (TRP assessment Spring 2016) in ways that are delightful and in Wilderness in a way that creatively being managed by the Royal Household. It is now a mix of is a manifestation of former tune with the historic roots of supports its historic character. elements with limited coherence. The original path lines of the ways to entertain children. Jubilee Walk as an access route the Old Wilderness. Developments “mock mount”, as also shown in the OS 1866, may still be detected Historical/Communal value to the Palace suffers from should support the area’s character 2. Undertake a formal review and being a pedestrian route shared although the area appears as an informal distribution of trees. and history appraisal of the playground, its The avenue of silver lime trees with considerable quantities of refurbishment and the existing The strong association of Kensington Gardens with play has along Jubilee Walk were gifted vehicle traffic. catering facility including operational been established in this part of the gardens initially with the 1909 in 1988 from the citizens of (TRP assessment Spring 2016) matters such as gate control in order playground supported by J.M. Barrie, with further additions Berlin as replacements for to meet the needs of visiting public. The fabric of the Diana Playground of the Elfin Oak and sandpit, and in 2000 with the installation those planted in 1911. Historical/Communal/ is maintained in very good condition, 3. Review and resolve the conflict of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground (in the Biodiversity value although its heavy usage leads to caused by vehicular access to same location as the Barrie playground The playground has problems with crowd management the palace via Jubilee Walk, the been extremely successful and reinforces the strong association and rapid deterioration. primary route for HRP access, of Kensington Gardens with children. The increasing popularity its considerable conflict with Landscape integrity: Fair and heavy use of the playground all year round requires pedestrians due to regular and increasing use. substantial resources in staffing and sustained maintenance. Currently, and correlated with HRP’s plans for the Orangery, TRP have commissioned consultants to undertake a feasibility review of the playground, a study of the cafe and an exploration of the wilderness concept in its application for play and a C21 landscape. 120 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 121 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Broad Walk

The Broad Walk, as its name implies, has the broadest width in SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM AIMS the Gardens between its double rows of avenue trees (Norway The flattening of the central part The surfacing of the Broad Walk is Conserve and restore: conserve and 1. Replacement of all Norway maple on the inner rows, limes on the outer rows) measuring of the north-south slope of the maintained to an adequate, although enhance this arterial and historic maples for the new inner avenue  930 metres in length and nearly 60 metres between the outer Broad Walk manifests the historical visually patchy, condition. route with its flanking avenues and of sessile oak. rows (From Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2014 prepared by LUC topography of the plateau created (TRP assessment Spring 2016) its identity as the key interface for the Round Pond. between the Palace, its immediate 2. To create a superior and coherent

with Richard Flenley). The avenues were replanted in the 1950s The inner avenue of Norway maple CONDITIONS Historical value grounds and the broader setting of surface and edge treatment that SIGNIFICANCE after necessary removal of the elms which had become diseased trees (Acer platanoides) has gaps, the Gardens. acknowledges the significance of and decrepit. The Broad Walk offers many views after reductions and losses resulting this promenade. The Broad Walk is a promenade of interest and the main and vistas along its length: from a in 46 trees remaining from the mid C20th century planting of 112. route for pedestrians and cyclists through the Gardens, linking point on the Broad Walk in a line 3. Not to extend the current between the centre of the Round Replanting will replace all Norway facility for London cycle hire. Kensington Road to the south with Bayswater Road to the north, Pond and the palace, are views down maple with Quercus petraea in line passing the palace by its eastern gardens. To stroll its length the three lines of the patte d’oie, of with the Kensington Gardens Tree (from the south) is to have glanced into the entrance of South which the central vista is down the Strategy 2014. Flower Walk, and looked across Dial Walk; to have seen down length of Front Walk. The pause in Landscape integrity: the tree lines of the south and north Feathers, and viewed the the centre of Broad Walk avenue and its more open aspect draws attention Fair/weakening to poor length of the Front Walk vista across the Round Pond to the to the palace and to the vistas. Henry Moore arch and beyond on the right side; while to the Historical/Aesthetic/Communal value left is a view across the formal palace gardens to the palace as backdrop; followed by the Orangery; before turning again to The Broad Walk is a popular north-south connecting route the right to glimpse the parkland feel of the Grindstone Quarter, for pedestrians, and for cyclists, while passing on the left the playground and catering outlet, roller-bladers and skaters. before finally reaching the Bayswater Road. Communal value At the north and south ends of the Broad Walk are two police . shelters; and to north and south of the Round Pond are the two Thimbles, shelters commemorative of the WWI soldiers. 122 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 123 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Albert Memorial & East and West Lawns

This area comprises the Albert Approach Road, Albert Memorial SIGNIFICANCE CONDITION PRINCIPAL AIM Lawn East, Albert Memorial Lawn West with associated east The Albert Memorial is one of The Albert Approach Road was the The Albert Memorial is in very Conserve: Ensure an excellent and west Snake Walks, and also the Albert Memorial. This the main tourist attractions of Route du Roi (Rotten Row) between good condition after a major presentation of the Albert Memorial  character area at the south-eastern end of the Gardens forms the Gardens and a landmark for 1726 and 1864/72. Today it is still a renovation project several years that provides this area as a high part of the tongue of land brought in from Hyde Park in 1871. Londoners, as well as being a focal Royal processional route. ago: maintenance continues on a quality entrance to the Gardens. point along the axes to which it is Historical/Communal value regular basis. Support and enhance the important

The Memorial itself was erected in 1864–72 to a design by George CONDITIONS aligned. As a historical monument (TRP assessment Spring 2016) views and vistas through this area, SIGNIFICANCE Gilbert Scott and forms a dramatic focus within the Gardens it reminds of the spectrum of In addition to its many formal to the Albert Memorial and to/from with the Victorian realignment of Lancaster Avenue (to the north) important developments in English contents, the boundary of this area The Coalbrookdale Gates are in Hyde Park. and the Albert Memorial Avenues to the east and west (in this manufacturing, social, political and offers habitat value with mixed native good condition. A new side gate creates access for cyclists through character area) focusing on the monument and creating dramatic scientific history. Its statuary tells of hedging, and quantities of bulbs in the Great Exhibition and contains its south west part in springtime, the Albert Approach Road. vistas. To the south there is a key visual connection between the symbolic content about the British followed by cow parsley and (TRP assessment Spring 2016) Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall, while to the east there are Empire and its enterprises in the wildflowers. important views from the Memorial to Hyde Park (the location world. Biodiversity/Communal value The lawns and avenues are in of the 1851 Great Exhibition). The Memorial is managed by TRP Historical/Aesthetic/Communal value good condition (TRP assessment Spring 2016). The new irrigation aided by advice from Historic England; independent blue badge The magnificent cast iron This location for the Gardens’ Coalbrookedale Gates at the system, fed by borehole, that has guided tours are available. The landscape setting has recently events, which are focused on those entrance to the Albert Approach been installed in the lawns directly been improved and the monument enjoys a high standard of that connect with the arts, with Road off West Carriage Drive played around the Memorial, enables closer presentation. scientific achievements, education a historic role as gates of the Great management and higher quality of The Royal Parks Events Strategy allows for four tented events and Britishness, provides a setting Exhibition inside the Crystal Palace; lawns to be produced. relocated to their current position on the Memorial lawns per year, each lasting for a maximum of that imbues historical, aesthetic and communal values. in 1852. The kiosk condition has potential to 28 days (not inclusive of set up and event de-rig) and the area Historical/Communal value improve; there is a current review has recently hosted a number of iconic events. There is a small, The Albert Approach Road is much to improve the catering offer. seasonal refreshment kiosk close to the Memorial. appreciated by cyclists, joggers, roller (TRP assessment Spring 2016) bladders and those playing informal ball games. Landscape integrity: Good Communal value 124 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 125 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

The Albert Memorial & East and West Lawns continued Kensington Palace Perk’s Field

AIMS Kensington Palace is under the management of Perk’s Field is part of the “Old Wilderness” to 1. Extend this principal aim to work 4. Review management of the area the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). The maintenance the north of the Palace, occupying the site of the with the Royal Commission for the with regard to potential impact from of the southern and eastern gardens, the Sunken old gravel pit which was exploited by Henry Exhibition of 1851 to ensure that any higher visitor numbers. Garden and the Orangery was handed over to Wise as his sunken garden in contrast to the realised proposals of ‘’ for improved accessibility and 5. Review development of an HRP from TRP in 2005. TRP supports the freely adjacent artificial mount. The area is completely permeability of the south approach enhanced catering kiosk set within available access to these garden areas, which open with the topography of the hollow plain to the Albert Memorial, share the an improved landscape/garden setting. are still an essential part of the experience of to see and the northern part of the field used by spirit and principles of the design of Kensington Gardens. the Royal Household staff as an events site and Kensington Gardens. 6. Develop opportunities to provide The recent improvements to the integrated recreation field. The area is not managed by the interpretative material on, and access 2. Scope further planting, including to the monument. relationship between Kensington Palace and Royal Parks. hedgelaying native hedges, along the Gardens, despite the split of function and boundary to reduce dominance of 7. Implement decompaction authority, effectively provides greater exposure traffic on Kensington Road. approaches beneath plane trees and of the palace as a visitor attraction. The major improve the long term quality of the refurbishment project to the East Gardens of 3. Review installation of a turnstile Memorial’s lawns. gate for evening exiting. the Palace, completed in 2012, re-connected the palace with Kensington Gardens. The design aimed to follow early C18 principles of a series of gardens around the palace that relate to and connect with each other and to the park beyond. The renewed palace lawn, a contemporary layer, gives an outward facing aspect to the gardens. Currently HRP are planning extensions to the Orangery and refurbishment of the adjacent south lawn garden. PART 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES 128 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 129 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES VISION AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT HISTORIC LANDSCAPE POLICIES Hist 1.3 Layers of history: Recognise and conserve the layers of history The previous chapter articulated specific aims HIST 1 AND POLICIES FOR that create Kensington Gardens ranging from to each of the character areas of the park. This Conserve and reinforce the principle framework the medieval fields, early groundworks, and the KENSINGTON GARDENS chapter revisits the park vision, and, building of Kensington Gardens: the Bridgemanic design significance and extent of later adaptation and on the identification of opportunities and aims creating the extensive formal gardens to Kensington additions, notably the Victorian set pieces that in sections 6, 7 and 8, articulates strategies and Palace, to which, inevitably, with historic changes overlay and provide focus and which act as a policies for the park’s management. a multi layered landscape has developed such counterpoint to the formal pattern. Ensure all The management strategy emerging from as additions from Victorian times; the Albert features and their settings are maintained to a this process is based on an understanding of Memorial, The Flower Walks, the Italian Gardens, high quality. the context, fabric, qualities and condition of monuments, set pieces and sculpture. Twentieth Kensington Gardens, and is informed by the century additions include fine sculpture, and a assessment of significance. This guides the growing association with childhood through JM ARCHAEOLOGY POLICIES detailed policies of this management plan. Barrie and Princess Diana (Peter Pan and the The current character and qualities of Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial playground ARCH 1 Kensington Gardens are strong and much respectively). Conserve and protect archaeological features in- appreciated by the visiting public. The long situ including the design and scale of earthworks term vision is therefore essentially grounded relating to different phases of development. in protection and enhancement. Landscape Hist 1.1 Bridgeman Layout: Management and design proposals should follow management holds fast to the vision for the Conserve, reinforce and celebrate the important the Kensington Gardens Archaeology Strategy park in the context of multiple changes: of the historic landscape of Kensington Garden respecting the importance and sensitivity of the processes of the living and built fabric of the created largely by Bridgeman and represented archaeology, both visible and buried features. park; processes of changing park use and users; by the Round Pond, Long Water, the Avenues processes of changing statutory demands; and and cross-avenues, and Quarters, recognising processes of changing resourcing. The vision the significant and extensive groundworks (e.g. Arch 1.1 Watching briefs for Kensington Gardens therefore is to conserve the embankment adjoining the Broad Walk) To be maintained during any invasive works in the landscape - in fabric and ambience - and of the formative period as well as the setting key areas. balance this with its role as a much visited and and significance of later monuments and set cherished park. pieces. Consider carefully the effect of any Arch 1.2 Archaeological research management change on both the individual Consider opportunities for funding geophysical THE LONG TERM VISION FOR landscape features that contribute to the pattern, KENSINGTON GARDENS surveys. the key views and vistas, and the essential spirit and ambience of the Bridgemanic layout. The one hundred year vision is to protect and enhance Hist 1.2 Relationship with Kensington Palace: Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace Kensington Gardens’ rich are under separate management, The Royal Parks and HRP. A combined management aim landscape heritage, its royal should be to continue the visual and functional associations, its connections relationship of the palace and Gardens so that, given due regard to privacy and security with children, with wildlife, requirements of the palace, essentially they are and with the creative culture perceived as a single entity. of arts. 130 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 131 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER POLICIES Hort 1.1 Horticultural areas Shrub 1.1 Ornamental Shrubberies View 1.2 Partnership with Manage to provide seasonal interest and variation The design and maintenance of ornamental Historic Royal Palaces LCHAR 1 for the delight of visitors. The condition and shrubberies should make full use of their Continue to work in partnership with Historic Protect and enhance the verdant, refined landscape nature of planting will be reviewed regularly contribution to biodiversity: ensured by Royal Palaces to conserve, restore and celebrate character of the Gardens, informed and anchored and rejuvenated as required. The colour of cyclical rejuvenation. the visual connection between the park and palace. by the historic Bridgemanic design, as an intact annual bedding schemes will be carefully parkland landscape. designed. Wildlife opportunities and benefits Shrub 1.2 Refuge and scrub View 1.3 Protect Kensington Gardens ‘skyspace’ will be considered in the planning and Retain tree layer, shrub and scrub layer and Respond in a timely way to planning management of horticultural areas, including understorey as cover for nesting birds. Ensure applications that might affect external changes LChar 1.1 Greenspace/Amenity provision of structure and cover, food and rotational management of areas of potentially on views from the park, and maintain good Kensington Gardens will continue to provide nectar sources, and species provenance. invasive species that are important to wildlife partnership working with the adjacent local tranquil greenspace with opportunities for such as brambles and nettles to maintain a planning authorities (Royal Borough of informal recreation and quiet enjoyment of its Hort 1.2 Horticultural character diverse habitat structure. Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City natural surroundings set amongst its historic Make considered removals and renewed Council). The aim should be to retain the historic landscape. The Gardens’ contribution to plantings in the South Flower Walk border Shrub 1.3 Sensitive species and verdant setting of the park, with skyline enhance the quality of the urban environment on its northern side facing into the Gardens. Ensure protection and compliance with species views principally formed by the tree canopy. for local communities and visitors will be protection legislation by appropriate timing of protected. Activities in the gardens that do not works e.g. to protect breeding birds, to maintain View 1.4 Views into the park unfavourably disturb this will be managed SHRUBBERIES POLICIES continuity of habitat, and avoid disturbing bats. Enhance views into the park where possible, carefully: other, more disruptive, activities will HEDGES POLICIES without exposing park users to traffic impacts or be discouraged. SHRUB 1 other negative elements along the boundaries. Maintain a balance of biodiversity and visual interest HEDGE 1 Key views are from the Serpentine Bridge across LChar 1.2: in the main shrubberies in Kensington Gardens, Where appropriate, increase the amount of native the Long Water, and the view from Kensington Maintain Coombes Quarter to share the supporting vistas where appropriate. Shrub areas hedging as boundary; manage as traditionally Palace grounds and from within the palace, ambience of the nearby Queen Caroline’s Temple. are associated with the margins of the Long Water, laid hedging. itself, into the park and along the long the axis with Marlborough Gate and Orme Square; satellite of the Front Walk, and to the South Front. beds in the Old Wilderness and other areas; and with HORTICULTURAL AREA POLICIES a limited number of enclosed sanctuaries, such as the VIEWS POLICIES View 1.5 Views from Kensington Gardens small dense shrubbery towards Mount Gate and Outward views from Kensington Gardens are HORT 1 fenced screening vegetation around lodges, buildings VIEW 1 for the most part framed by the tree canopy There will be a general presumption against the or work areas. Shrub areas are associated with the Views from and into Kensington Gardens are punctuated by church spires, only occasionally creation of new or additional areas of horticultural margins of the Long Water, with Marlborough Gate critical to the character of the Gardens and will impinged on by incongruous tall buildings. display within the informal parkland setting, unless and Orme Square; satellite beds in the Old Wilderness be managed to respect the historic identity of the Important views include from Buck Hill there is a historic precedent. The extent of garden and other areas; and with a limited number of enclosed park and to protect and enhance these significant (north Bastion and Peacock Walk) over Hyde areas should be confined to their present area, namely sanctuaries, such as the small dense shrubbery visual relationships. Park, from Queen Caroline’s Temple towards The North Flower Walk, the South Flower Walk, urns towards Mount Gate and fenced screening vegetation Westminster and the Serpentine, and from and beds in the Italian Gardens and adjacent cafe, around lodges, buildings or work areas (e.g. the Lancaster Gate Walk past the Albert Memorial and around Peter Pan. These garden areas should leaf yard). These undisturbed ‘refuge’ areas are View 1.1 Identify, map and protect key views to the Royal Albert Hall. be of a high design and quality and provide an of considerable wildlife interest. Native planting Identify and map key views from, within and elegant, yet exuberant contrast to the more restrained, should be considered and selected to thrive in to Kensington Gardens. The impact of any View 1.6 Views within the Gardens verdant character of the park. Wildlife benefits will existing site conditions, soil moisture, shade etc. proposed change within/external to the gardens Kensington Garden is characterised by a be considered in the management of horticultural on these key views should be monitored. diversity of views, for the most part controlled areas. All horticultural areas will be managed with by the axial layout of avenues providing framed a minimum of chemical/pesticides and use of peat. corridor views to individual features such as 132 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 133 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

KEY VIEWS PLAN

Key view, two directions

Key view, single direction

Distant view (External)

10 5 4 HYDE PARK Vista view (Internal) –– BT TOWER

Vista view (External)

9 Focal Point (External)

1 Viewing Position 3

LIST OF VIEWING POSITIONS 8

1 Kensington Palace Patte d’oie down Front Walk, 2 Mount Walk and Great Bayswater Walk 2 Physical Energy Statue To Kensington Palace, Henry Moore Arch, 7 The Albert Memorial and further to The Royal Albert Hall 3 Henry Moore Arch To Physical Energy Statue and Kensington Palace 1 4 Great Bayswater Walk To Kensington Palace KENSINGTON and further to St Mary Abbots Church PALACE 5 Buck Hill /North Bastion Across Buck Hill and further to St Mary Abbots Church 6 Diana Memorial Path To The Albert Memorial 7 Serpentine Bridge Across the Long Water

8 Chamberlain’s Piece To Henry Moore Arch, to Serpentine Bridge –– 11 and Italian Gardens 9 Peter Pan Statue 6 To Italian Gardens, to Serpentine Bridge and Buck Hill 10 Italian Gardens

11 Dial Walk ST MARY ABBOTS To Kensington Palace CHURCH THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 134 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 135 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

the Albert Memorial or the statue of Physical spiders, butterflies, moths and other invertebrates. GRASSLAND POLICIES improvement of the soil environment, and Energy. It is of paramount importance to Continue to improve the Royal Parks reseeding/turfing. Grassland seed and turf maintain the axial, framing layout of avenues, Biological Recording System in partnership GRASS 1 mixes should respond to the objectives of the the quantity of trees, and to allow permeable with the Greenspaces Information for Greater The extensive area of grassland, with trees is central grassland strategy. Where there is a requirement views beneath the tree canopy. London which will review the storing of to the naturalistic verdant character of Kensington for the importation of topsoil this should meet existing data, be GIS compatible, and ensure Gardens. The management aim, as successfully quality standards and be appropriate in relation There are also, in contrast, views aslant of the the information is consistent and can be shared applied, should be to continue to apply differential to the objectives of the grassland strategy. avenues, for instance from Buck Hill, which with other London organisations. mowing regimes to meadow, lawn and amenity provide a view across a remarkable profusion grassland. Deliberate and selective mowing regimes of trees. Also valuable are glimpsed views, Biodiv 1.2 Wildlife Management Strategy should be used to increase biodiversity; and to TREES AND TREE RENEWAL POLICIES such as across the Long Water to Peter Pan; To develop a Kensington Gardens Wildlife reinforce the distinction between the Quarters and and towards focal points such as the Queen’s Management Strategy for detailed grassland to guide public use of the different areas; to reinforce TREES 1 Temple. Views of the Italian Gardens over the management. To review an extension of the main visual and historic axes through the park, Maintain a healthy, safe and substantially mature formal balustrade as it abuts the Long Water, meadow regimes in some areas, reflecting notably the Front Walk and link between the palace population of trees, with appropriate species and and across the Long Water to the Serpentine historic precedent and to implement local and Buck Hill. The naturalistic and ecological value distribution, providing continuity of authentic Bridge will be retained by keeping vegetation differences and timing of cuts; for management of the acid grassland areas should be improved and historic pattern in avenues, quarters, clumps and low in key places to maintain the views. of scrub and woodland in refuge/sanctuary supported with management regimes that reduce groupings. Choice of species should be informed Managing scrub growth associated with the areas; and for wildlife beneficial management nutrient loading. by the historic palette. The importance of trees as a Long Water margins to conserve glimpses of the of horticultural areas. habitat for a wide range of species will continue to water and across the lake is a key requirement. be recognised. Biodiv 1.3 Ecological Monitoring: Grass 1.1 Grassland Strategy Kensington Gardens tree strategies from 1989 The baseline ecological survey and Wildlife In managing grassland areas, the aim should (which built on the results of the 1982 tree survey) BIODIVERSITY POLICIES Management Strategy should provide a be to work towards grassland that is beneficial and 2001(on structural avenues only); have been foundation of ecological monitoring, which will for flora, fungi, invertebrates, birds and small updated in 2010 and 2014. This Management Plan BIODIV 1 aim to collect standard repeatable information mammals. A more detailed grassland strategy includes detailed policies for both avenue trees and Maintain and enhance an appropriate mosaic of for managers to detect changes in the ecological has been developed including a revised plan non-avenue trees. habitats, and within these to encourage structural condition of the park. Results should form part indicating frequency and timing of mowing and and species diversity. Project planning to include of the information base stored as part of the reinforcing consistent grassland management improvements to ecological habitats from inception Biological Recording System. regimes. The main grassland strategy aims Tree 1.1 Tree Survey phases. Events planning to include ecology team are to retain existing areas of acid grassland Comprehensive tree surveys were undertaken and note constraints eg. lighting. Management Biodiv 1.4 Partnership and to protect from invasion by coarse grasses; in 1982, 2009 and 2014. The survey information should maximise the biodiversity contribution of The park management partnership approach to to restore further areas of acid grassland; to is held in a Geographic Information System existing components, such as deadwood habitats; management of the biodiversity resource will improve the ecological condition of semi- (GIS) and in the Arbortrack database, and and explore further opportunities for habitat creation. benefit from information gained by ecological improved neutral grassland, primarily located linked to a map base. Repeat surveys should monitoring. Partnership working will be on Buck Hill; and to follow key principles be undertaken at appropriate intervals so as to supported by the Central Royal Parks Wildlife for biodiversity management of grassland as keep an updated Tree Strategy which guides Biodiv 1.1 Ecological Surveys Group and link with local, regional and national detailed in the Ground Flora Survey of Hyde management of the park’s areas with survey To action the recommendations of the ecological biodiversity initiatives, including partners in the Park and Kensington Gardens 2013. Maintain information including assessment of issues and survey of ground level habitats and plant adjacent local authorities and other organisations. the No Cut management in Colt Quarter that risks, strategies, options, and considerations. species, Ground Flora Survey of Hyde Park allows re-emergence of relict plantings. and Kensington Gardens 2013, (which followed Biodiv 1.5 Control of Invasive Species Tree 1.2 Tree Inspection work undertaken by the London Wildlife Trust Invasive plant species (such as Japanese Grass 1.2 Amelioration of damaged areas TRP’s arboriculturists to continue regular tree in 2007). These include a recommendation for Knotweed) will be sensitively controlled, using There will be a prompt response to amelioration inspections in accordance with agreed Royal appropriate targeted species surveys e.g. bats, appropriate methods. of damaged grassland areas involving Parks Risk Assessment Strategy. The inspections 136 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 137 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

are recorded in the Arbortrack database, with Tree 1.6 Tree Provenance TrAve 1.2 Dial Walk PARKLAND TREES POLICIES descriptions of tree condition, specifications TRP has a bio-security policy which recommends Plan for additional planting of sweet chestnut (QUARTERS/NON AVENUE TREES) for tree work (as required) and a record of the specific measures to protect the tree stock from to enhance the feature, and the medium completion of any specified works. current and future pests and diseases. The term removal of the tulip tree (Liriodendron TRQUA 1 provenance of tree stock introduced to the tulipifera) avenue, the relatively recent origin Pursue the development of the management Tree 1.3 Partnership with park is of particular concern. Trees selected for of which militates against the area’s historical framework by TRP arboriculturalists for the Local Planning Authorities planting are to come from approved suppliers, legibility. Plan for replacing the deteriorating , restoration and management of this distinctive Kensington Gardens is within a Conservation nurseries and garden centres with a proven non-historical line of chestnut trees on the west element of the Gardens, namely the grassland Area, administered by the Local Planning track record, and their own rigorous bio- side, with Ulmus lutece. with trees and the verdant ‘enclosed’ character Authorities (LPAs) of The Royal Borough of security measures. Additionally, it is advised that this creates. Kensington and Chelsea and The Westminster that native trees for planting should be from TrAve 1.3 The Broad Walk City Council. All work to trees is therefore seed stock of UK provenance. The retention of the feature requires the subject to Conservation Area legislation, which The purchase of London plane (Platanus replacement of declining Norway maples with TrQua 1.1Regeneration stipulates that LPAs must be given six weeks’ acerifolia), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), sessile oak (Quercus petraea) Continue to support the significant natural notice in which to respond to proposed tree common oak (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus regeneration in those Quarters which are works. This does not cover works with regard excelsior) from European suppliers is avoided. TrAve 1.4 Lancaster Gate Walk held in meadow management, and to limit to health and safety. The propagation of sweet chestnut and The retention of the feature requires the introduced tree planting. Undertake the other species from seed collected from TRP improvement of the soil condition for the selection for retention of some specimens, and Tree 1.4 Veteran and Ancient Trees veteran trees is being undertaken, with the use existing London planes and their phased the removal of others as necessary to prevent Kensington Gardens has a significant population of this stock for future planting being advised. replacement in the long term. Currently many some of the meadows reverting entirely to of both veteran and ancient trees, including a spaces in the avenues are empty, and the woodland. number sweet chestnuts over 200 years old. Tree1.7 Tree Strategies planting of new trees will take place in the Careful consideration will continue to be Review and update the 2010 Veteran Tree Strategy. medium term. TrQua 1.2 Conifers and evergreens given to the conservation of veteran/ ancient Currently there are few coniferous trees in the trees for their visual, historical and biodiversity TrAve 1.5 South Roundabout park. Forsythe’s plan featured the Fir Quarter, value. A key task is to develop individual TREES IN AVENUES POLICIES Replacement of declining horse chestnut a small clump of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), management plans for each tree, including (Aesculus hippocastanum) with Indian horse which was located in a small triangle of land specific arboricultural measures to extend their TrAVE 1 chestnut (Aesculus indica) is recommended in at the upper end of Inverness Gate Walk viability and their contribution to biodiversity. Conserve the established avenue lines in accordance the medium term. towards the Queens Gate boundary. Consider Opportunities to celebrate these trees and recognise with the historic pattern and species, essentially that establishing a small clump of a suitable species their historic links in the park should be explored. of the Bridgeman landscape, with later nineteenth TrAve 1.6 Great Bayswater Avenue which would be an asset to the native species century additions notably Lancaster Walk, Replacement of declining horse chestnut diversity of the park. Similarly, also reflecting Tree 1.5 Retention of Dead Wood focussing on the Albert Memorial. The Kensington (Aesculus hippocastanum) with Indian horse mid nineteenth century illustrations of a view Kensington Gardens will continue to implement Gardens Tree Strategy 2014 provides the principal chestnut (Aesculus indica) and other species is towards John Rennie’s bridge, consider a small a policy of deadwood retention wherever safe policy for managing the avenues trees. recommended in the medium term. picturesque clump of conifers towards the and appropriate. The retention of standing North East portion of Temple Quarter, whilst dead wood (monoliths), deadwood in trees Ave 1.7 Buckhill Walk and Axis also opening up more of the view from the and deadwood on the ground as well as dead TrAve 1.1 The Great Bow Planting of new groups of trees to enhance the Temple towards the bridge. tree stumps (where trees have fallen or been The feature has been enhanced recently by the feature is envisaged and outlined in the 2014 felled) provides niche habitat for saproxylic selective replacement of some of the lime tree Kensington Gardens Avenues Strategy. TrQua 1.3 Soil structure and water invertebrates (a UK BAP priority species group) which had poor form and a reduced predicted For many existing trees, in particular beech and other species. Mature trees with decay viable lifespan. The monitoring of tree health (Fagus sylvatica) the prospect of reduced water cavities and hollows in the limbs and trunk also and improvement of soil condition if considered availability as the result of climate change may provide nest sites for birds and roost sites for bats. appropriate is required. be mitigated by soil improvement measures 138 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 139 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

such as de-compaction and mulching. The boreholes in the Italian Gardens and in Hyde in-house water quality observation programme. B&Ms 1.1 Kensington Palace improvement of the soil of the park, which has Park to ensure sufficient flushing. Install Recognising urban water bodies can suffer The main policy recommendation is to work in been depleted by many years of leaf removal, additional mains water sub-meters to monitor eutrophic conditions strategies to reduce water a collaborative partnership with HRP to agreed is desirable. The alteration of traditional leaks and consumption of mains supplies. Ensure pollution will continue i.e. the regular removal of principles of presenting an understanding of park management practices to enhance soil there is no double charging from Thames Water. leaves from hard surfaces and amenity grassland the history of the Gardens as a single entity. biodiversity, and so quality, is advisable. and the avoidance of mulching parkland turf Water 1.3 Water Circulation and shrubberies surrounding water bodies. B&Ms 1.2 Queen’ Caroline’s Temple TrQua 1.4 The Italian Gardens’ borehole, installed in Herbicides will not be used and the removal of The policy aim is to maintain the Temple Tree canopy structure and relationship to 1998, currently supplies pumped water to the sediments may be necessary in future. Ultrasound structure to a high standard and restore grassland: vigilant consideration of the effect Long Water and the Round Pond in addition devices and existing electrically powered aerators the ‘Arcadian’ landscape setting. This will of tree canopy on grasses and forbs in order to to the Italian Gardens. It also sends water to will continue to be utilised. include further backdrop planting, in line retain the desired balance. the underground Hyde reservoir. In line with The importance of the water bodies for with the historic pattern, removal of the the Environment Agency extraction license, wildlife interest is recognised in their management service box and reinstating views to the water extracted from this borehole needs to be with further consideration for marginal planting Temple, from Buck Hill, across the Long WATER INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES reduced. From 2016 therefore, the new (2012) and an increase in the area reedbed. Water as seen in eighteenth century prints. Hyde Borehole No.2 (near the Serpentine Leaf Yard effluent: Maintain the chamber WATER 1 Car Park) will supply the Serpentine and the pumps to ensure any leaf compost/ effluent/ B&Ms The Pumphouse TRP Water Strategy is committed to increasing Hyde reservoir; the Round Pond; the toilets at leachate does not enter the Long Water: and The Pumphouse in the Italian Gardens is a fine sustainable water management through switching Mount Gate and the Serpentine Gallery, and maintain the pumps installed in 2013 that pump building, currently used for water infrastructure from mains to borehole/well abstraction, improving the irrigation of the Albert borders and South out to the sewer. in its closed part. The front open side, which mains water leak detection, and improving water Flower Walk. The Italian Gardens borehole will offers public access, provides an opportunity quality management in lakes and rivers and better still supply the Italian Gardens, the Long Water Water 1.6 Water features for a more purposeful function. surface water management and attenuation. and Round Pond and be used should the other Maintenance will be to a high standard, borehole fail or during maintenance shutdowns. e.g. the Tiffany (funded) drinking fountains. Maintain in good condition the existing Italian B&Ms New Buildings Water 1.1 Water Body Maintenance and Control Gardens borehole and pump, and the pumping BUILDINGS AND In keeping with its open parkland character, Continue to maintain the infrastructure plant in the Italian Gardens Engine House. MAIN STRUCTURES POLICIES there will generally, be a presumption against of the water bodies including de-silting, the construction of additional new buildings maintenance and operation of valves and Water 1.4 Drainage, Rainfall and B&MS 1 in Kensington Gardens, except where they sluices and maintenance and repair of banks, Surface Water Management Maintain all buildings and structures to a high are considered essential for public use and using methods appropriate to the historic The existing land drainage infrastructure standard of physical repair and visual quality, enjoyment and where there are no existing landscape. Maintain the softer, more naturalistic should be maintained or renewed. Scope the with appropriate uses relating to park visitors or buildings that can be reasonably adapted margins that are appropriate to the Long Water, potential for ground water harvesting from this management needs. Special attention will be paid to for this purpose. In such circumstances any providing due attention is paid to maintenance system which could feed into the Long Water. those with listed building status. For buildings and building will need to be of an appropriate scale of the formal axis/Front Vista with Kensington There are opportunities for rainfall capture and structures that are features of the Gardens, such as and high standard of design, with particular Palace, where it crosses the Long Water and of attenuation from the large hard surface area of the Queen Caroline’s Temple, Queen Anne’s Shelter, attention to location in relation to the historic the crisp edge to the Balustrade of the Italian the Broad Walk. the Serpentine Sackler Gallery and Albert Memorial, landscape and the immediate landscape setting Gardens. Curtail encroachment of reedbeds on particular attention will be paid to their landscape of the building. Encroachment of facilities the outfalls from the Italian Gardens. Water 1.5 Water Quality setting and ensuring a high standard of presentation and hard surfacing into the park will not be Ensure best practice to meet aesthetic, biodiverse within the park. Historic buildings and structures appropriate. Water 1.2 Water Supply and health and safety standards. Continue to are an important element of Kensington Gardens. Minimise the use of mains water by converting implement a range of water quality improvement There will a general presumption against the B&Ms Mobile Catering Outlets toilets where possible to a non-potable, borehole measures including borehole flushing, natural construction of new buildings within Kensington Careful consideration should be given to the supply. Carefully manage the quantities and bacterial treatments and maintain the routine Gardens. siting and appearance of the mobile catering programming of water extraction from the 140 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 141 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

outlets, which need to be positively visible to monuments and artefacts with listed building status. B&Gt 1.1 Maintenance of Gates B&Gt 1.5 Improvements to Gateways park visitors, but should not be intrusive in Generally there will be a presumption and Boundaries Improvement to the presentation of gateways is relation to the parkland setting. against the introduction of further permanent All gateways, including the older ornamental noted above, further areas for improvement are The catering outlets have the potential to be structures, small scale artefacts and features gateways, and boundaries of Kensington noted below: more closely identified with the Royal Parks, for within Kensington Gardens. Gardens should be maintained to a consistent Orme Square Gates example providing visitor information. There and high standard, reflecting a positive image The Royal Parks will work in partnership are specific recommendations in relation to the M&Ma 1.1 Henry Moore Arch of the park and with gateways providing a with HRP to improve the setting and quality following: The Henry Moore Arch, donated by the sculptor, welcoming point of entry to visitors. of Orme Square Gate and will work to is again located in a prominent position on The juxtaposition of hedging and railings manage health and safety matters associated Broad Walk/Diana Memorial Playground Kiosk Buck Hill (on the Front Walk axis) following its will be considered so as to facilitate regular with increased vehicular use of the gate for Consider opportunities for development of restoration. Its context and surroundings should repainting of railings and ironwork that access to the palace along Jubilee Walk. the catering offer and facilities from this site be sympathetic, not to cause discolouration of will be undertaken as part of a regular as part of a wider review of the playground the stonework, and in landscape that neither maintenance regime. and its environs. The setting should benefit detracts from the sculpture nor from the THE ROUTES – from landscape enhancements, and may surrounding grassland. B&Gt 1.2 Number of Gateways ROAD AND PATH NETWORK POLICIES include an expansion of catering provision and The number and security of existing gateways facilities and of seating areas, modifications M&Ma 1.2 Peter Pan is considered to be adequate for normal PATH 1 of shrubbery and relocation of the storage It is recommended that a design project is activities. Turnstile gates exist at Orme Square All necessary hard surfacing will be maintained area etc. undertaken of the enclosure, to enhance the Gate, Marlborough Gate, Temple Gate, Palace to a high standard of physical repair (bound setting and improve the paving to make it Gate and Black Lion Gate. The provision of an gravel) suitable for its purpose and sympathetically Albert Memorial Kiosk fully accessible. additional turnstile on the east side of the park assimilated into the historic parkland setting. Consider opportunities for an enhanced at Magazine Gate could be explored. Within Kensington Gardens the path network kiosk type facility at this site: develop M&Ma 1.3 The Thimble Shelters (22km) is extensive, convenient and in the main an improved garden setting and seating, Restoration is planned to restore the seating to B&Gt 1.3 Victoria Road Gate integrated with the historic layout of 1730, with later minimising any further encroachment into the two Thimbles: funding is being sought. and King’s Arms Gate adaptations. There will be a general presumption the park or extension of hard surfacing. There remains an opportunity to consider against the encroachment of further areas of hard M&Ma: 1.4 Park Management Buildings a design study to include appraisal of the surface within Kensington Gardens, except where Progress proposals to develop Park function and location of existing gates. there are specific public needs or safety requirements. MONUMENTS AND Management buildings: and to implement Specifically the busy entrance at King’s Arms Pedestrian priority will continue to be reinforced MAIN ARTEFACTS POLICIES the overdue replacement of portacabins. Gate should be improved and create a greater to counteract the impact of increasing numbers of sense of arrival and access to the Gardens. cycles resulting from the Cycle Super Highway. M&MA1 Consider improved presentation of the south The number and current disposition of artefacts BOUNDARIES AND GATES POLICIES front of Kensington Palace. and monuments within the park will be retained Path 1.1 South Feathers Path and maintained to a high physical and visual B> 1 B&Gt 1.4 Environs beyond The diagonal path running south east from the standard, within an appropriate landscape setting. Conserve and enhance gateways and boundaries the Park Boundaries Broad Walk towards Snob’s Crossing is informal The existing monuments and artefacts, notably the that effect an appropriate and distinctive sense The Royal Parks will work in partnership with in character and is recommended to remain as Albert Memorial, the Henry Moore Arch, Peter Pan, of entry: high quality, functional and reflective the local planning authorities and neighbours in such. The Elfin Oak, Statue of Physical Energy, Speke, of the historic character of Kensington Gardens. seeking to ensure that the immediate environs as well as a number of smaller features, make an There is considered to be an appropriate balance of the park provide an appropriate setting and Path 1.3 Jubilee Walk immense contribution to the character and identity between screening and views into the park, and an do not adversely impact on views from, or the The Jubilee Walk is managed by the Royal Parks of Kensington Gardens. The monuments and appropriate balance of railings and hedges. experience within the park. as an essential part of the Gardens. Additionally artefacts of mainly 19th and early 20th century date it is used as the primary vehicular route for co-exist with and help to animate the 18th century HRP servicing and events vehicles. While the layout. Special attention will be paid to those 142 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 143 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

need for such access is recognised, use of the Strategy. Change of usage will be necessary to LIGHTING POLICIES Ed&Int 1.1 The Royal Parks walk by HRP vehicles will in future be subject achieve significantly improved sustainability in Education programme to licence conditions in order to safeguard the waste. All furniture will be appropriately sited LIGHT 1 Continue the partnership work with the public pedestrian route. to ensure that it makes a positive contribution Conserve the current restrictions to lighting to the volunteer team at the Kensington Gardens to the historic and parkland setting. In areas around Kensington Palace. The park is not allotment. This provides support and guidance Path 1.4 Maintenance of paths and surfaces particular, special attention will be paid to intended to provide a 24 hour facility and therefore to young people in their knowledge of how to Patch repairs will be undertaken to a similar ensure that historic vistas and key views are not further lighting at night time is not required. grow foods and life skills in how to take the standard using bound gravel to ensure a cluttered. Existing lamp posts and light fittings will be harvested food and prepare for use. visually integrated path surface. Investment in conserved (listed status). Spotlighting of features drainage repair and restoration of grass edges is Furn 1.3 Maintenance of Parkland Furniture such as the Albert Memorial and which enhance Ed&Int 1.2 Serpentine and Serpentine required to improve path edges. All furniture will be maintained to a high night time views into the park will be maintained. Sackler Gallery Education team standard, to a consistent and regular Continue to work co-operatively with both maintenance regime. Damaged or broken items galleries to support the potential of art, Path 1.5 Cycling will be repaired or replaced as a priority to Light 1.1 Maintenance of lighting exhibitions and associated installations in the Kensington Gardens will continue to restrict cycle reinforce the image of a high quality distinctive All lighting in Kensington Gardens will be landscape routes to no more than the east - west Albert landscape. maintained in good condition. Approach Road and Mount Walk Gate to Studio Ed&Int 1.3 The Kensington Palace (HRP) Gate; and north - south Broad Walk. Cyclists will Furn 1.4 Memorial Benches Light 1.2 Lighting and wildlife25 Continue to liaise with HRP and their provision be made aware of pedestrian priorities and In the past, memorial benches have been Plans for any temporary or permanent lighting of heritage education programmes. encouraged to ride safely and responsibly. adopted within Kensington Gardens, notably will consider implications for wildlife. Artificial The Royal Parks will also explore further on South Flower Walk and the Italian lighting is known to impact negatively, causing Ed&Int 1.4 Interpretative Material opportunities for the provision of cycle racks. Gardens. Those memorial benches in place behavioural modification, disorientation and Exploring and implementing effective and will be maintained for the life time of the bench. disruption. The Royal Parks should maintain contemporary ways of meeting information needs Further opportunities for benches will be E1 (‘intrinscially dark landscapes’) or E2 (‘low about Kensington Gardens’, its rich heritage PARK FURNITURE POLICIES explored should new opportunities for seating district brightness areas’) light levels. and wildlife, will be a forthcoming focus. arise. FURN 1 Ed&Int 1.5 Education and key messages Conserve and promote high quality co-ordinated Furn 1.5 Signage and information EDUCATION AND Educational tools will be used to convey key parkland furniture (benches, bins, signage) to enhance It is recommended that an updated signage INTERPRETATION POLICIES messages regarding themed activities or areas of public enjoyment of the park. All furniture will be and information strategy is produced. Signage concern, such as feeding animals, leaving waste maintained to a high standard and provide a positive should facilitate public enjoyment and use of ED&INT 1 and considerate cycling. They will also be used visual contribution to the parkland setting. the park, and be visible without being intrusive. Continue to work closely with key partner to share information and the rationale behind The strategy should identify key features within organisations delivering education activities any removals of trees, of issues that have the park, key features beyond the park and to ensure a uniform approach and quality caused management problems, and explain to Furn 1.1 Review of Park Furniture develop a hierarchy of signage at appropriate standard to a visiting school child’s experience the public why certain practices are harmful to A full review of all the furniture within the locations. Signage should generally follow in their visit to the Royal Parks. the environment of Kensington Gardens. park will be undertaken. The aim should be the traditional Royal Parks ‘livery’ of cast iron a co-ordinated approach, while encouraging fingerposts with gold lettering. Temporary distinctive themes appropriate to the character signage within the park will be kept to a of each area, as set out in the TRP Design Guide. minimum. An information strategy will be developed that embraces new techniques, such Furn 1.2 Siting of Parkland Furniture as apps, for relating information about the park Waste bin numbers, type and location are being in a way that visitors expect and enjoy. revised to align with the TRP 2015 Sustainability 25 TRP Factsheet 3.7 Historic Landscape Management: Artificial Lighting 144 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 145 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Ed&Int 1.6 Guided Walks and Eng&Out 1.4 Citizen surveys EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENTS POLICIES Gardens. The aim is to ensure that any Small Scale Interpretative Events Initiate annual butterfly surveys; keep abreast temporary structure is subservient to the overall The Park Management will continue to provide, of other UK nature surveys that could be EV&ENT 1 peaceful, verdant, historic character of the encourage and support a regular programme transcribed to a park context and work with Continue the provision of events in Kensington Gardens and does not adversely affect public of small scale events. Special consideration will community involvement. Gardens in line with the Major Events Strategy. use and enjoyment. Restoration and repair of be given to occasional small community events The Gardens, not being suitable to large scale the site will be to a high standard. that seek to widen the audience of the park, for Eng&Out 1.5 Nature Club commercial events such as the large music concerts example attracting local residents that currently Continue to develop the Nature Club for in Hyde Park, will ensure continuity of its quieter Ev&Ent 1.4 Events associated with the do not visit the gardens. local school children with the RPF to embrace character. Up to four major events and a number Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine ecological and biodiversity improvement projects of small events may take place each year. The Sackler Gallery that lend themselves to volunteer delivery. focus is very much on developing a range of quiet The Serpentine Gallery operates the gallery recreational pursuits that broaden interest in the building and surrounding garden area under ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH POLICIES Eng&Out 1.6 Exceptional Commemorations Gardens and align to its Vision. a lease from the Royal Parks. The Serpentine Support and facilitate community involvement Gallery hold many events some of which may ENG&OUT 1 events in occasional and exceptionally also involve additional structures. Engage the wider and local community, important commemorations, such as WWI. Ev&Ent 1.1 Events generally Events associated with the gallery should corporate volunteering and the Friends Group, Event set up should follow guidance from be satisfactorily planned with The Park in participative activities; for instance in order TRP Arboricultural Guidance Document: Trees Management Team as to timing, scale and to assist Park Management to continue labour SPORTS AND ACTIVE RECREATIONAL USES POLICIES and Events so as to minimise impact on tree appropriate nature of the proposed event, intensive tasks, to benefit the park by increasing canopies and root zones. Location, contents, so as not to detract from a general visitor ‘s the number of positive visitors, enabling timing and setup of events should follow enjoyment of or inclusion in the Gardens; participants to join in social nature-based activities. SP&REC 1 Promote passive recreation and peaceful enjoyment the policy on Ecology in Events: and some to coordinate with Hyde Park Management Allotment gardening will continue to be an events will require an Environmental Impact on access and egress from the site via West important mainstay of community involvement. of Kensington Gardens in preference to more active formal sports, which are generally unsuitable assessment (EIA). Carriage Drive; to ensure protection to the given the importance of the historic landscape, few parkland fabric; and to effect swift landscape Ev&Ent 1.2 Events on restoration to agreed standards following the Eng&Out 1.1 Allotment extensive expanses of grassland and predominance of trees, in avenues and parkland plantings (in contrast, the Albert Memorial Lawns event. Continue the ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening The policy restricting events here to a programme in Kensington Gardens. for example to Hyde and Regents Park, where there are significant expanses of grassland without trees). maximum of four per year needs to be kept Ev&Ent 1.5 Events in Hyde Park under regular review to assess impacts on Large events in Hyde Park change the Eng&Out 1.2 The Royal Parks Guild (RPG) visitor use, landscape character and quality. use patterns of Kensington Gardens and Continue to support the Guild, a voluntary The site must be fully restored following require change in management practices group whose relationship with The Royal Sp&Rec 1.1 Football/Ballgames Continue to encourage passive recreation and the event. Events should not continue longer or infrastructure. Both Park Management Parks includes support to the horticulture than the agreed period; there are a number of Teams should work closely to address any programmes and historical park research. peaceful enjoyment, and deter formalised and vigorous group games through important views and vistas through this area, issues relating to displacement of visitor and appropriate and subtle landscape management. to the Albert Memorial and to/from Hyde Park additional pressure on the Gardens at these Eng&Out 1.3 Volunteer bird surveys and these should be retained. times. Continue the volunteer bird walking surveys Notwithstanding the above, some formalised that build data on standard routes in the activity in some locations, such as Dial Walk, will be considered. The use of the East and Ev&Ent 1.3 Temporary Structures Ev&Ent 1.6 Reinstatement after Events Gardens. Continue to recruit and manage The Serpentine Gallery’s summer ‘pavilion’ Reinstatement should be careful and thorough, knowledgeable ‘birder’ volunteers. West Albert Lawns for Summer Schools will be pursued. annual event is a well-known and popular including the alleviation of compaction and event adding a new (temporary) element to the amelioration of rootzones. 146 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 147 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

VISITOR EXPERIENCE POLICIES PUBLIC ACCESS POLICIES VSafe 1.1 Health and Safety Standards VISITOR CIRCULATION POLICIES The Royal Parks will strive for excellence in VEXP 1 PUACC 1 health and safety management and will continue VCIRC 1 Kensington Gardens should continue to offer Kensington Gardens will be accessible to the to promote health and well being in the Pedestrian priority will apply throughout a high quality, safe and attractive historic public, free of charge, except in areas enclosed communities we serve through the provision Kensington Gardens. Visitor circulation routes will parkland environment, which provides a range of for safety, for park management and for of beautiful environments and exciting respect the historic pattern and provide easy and natural settings appropriate for a variety of quiet ecological requirements. The Gardens will opportunities to engage with and enjoy the parks. convenient routes between main points of interest recreational uses to cater for the high number continue to be open every day of the year from and vantage points within the park and provide and diversity of people who visit the Gardens 6 a.m. until dusk. Closure of areas of the park VSafe 1.2 Crime pedestrian routes through and across the park. each year. The Gardens will generally provide for special uses/events or paid access will The Royal Parks will work with the police Vehicle access will be limited to that necessary for opportunities for peaceful relaxation and quiet be minimised. Access for all is an objective sensitively to maintain the low levels of crime grounds maintenance/park management. informal recreation activities and through provision throughout the park. currently enjoyed and to seek opportunities of appropriate facilities will continue its special for the further reduction of crime. Continue association with children. Visitors should be able PuAcc 1.1 Access for All the policy of prioritised and targeted policing VCirc 1.1 Pedestrian Circulation to see and appreciate the historic landscape and the Access for all is an objective throughout the work: response policing; proactive tasking and Pedestrians will remain top in the hierarchy of relationship of the gardens with Kensington Palace. park and the need of physically and visually neighbourhood policing. Continue the quarterly different park users. Visitor management regimes will seek to control impaired visitors and others with special meetings of the Safer Parks Panel. and guide use in an unobtrusive way. Facilities for needs will be taken into account in any review VCirc 1.2 Cycling public needs will be subservient to and sympathetic of infrastructure/new schemes and in line VSafe 1.3 Vandalism TRP recognises the importance of the cycle to the historic landscape. with the requirements of the Equality Act. The Royal Parks shall ensure that vandalism routes in Kensington Gardens as a link in Parking for disabled drivers will continue to is kept to the minimum through consideration London’s cycle network and for casual cycling. be provided at Queen’s Gate and along West of potential vandalism in new developments It is noted that in Kensington Gardens, unlike VExp 1.1 Visitor Survey: Carriage Drive in Hyde Park, in designated and provision of infrastructure, although Hyde Park these cycle routes are shared with The Royal Parks will continue to undertake parking bays. Initiatives that enhance access for this will not be allowed to unbalance other pedestrians and do not have separate cycle visitor surveys of park use and visitor all such as the successful ‘Liberty Drives’ will aspects relating to visitor comfort, historical lane provision. Children under 12 years of age, satisfaction and will respond to findings in be continued. considerations, or visual quality. The removal cycling under the supervision of a (pedestrian) improvements to park management. of visible signs of vandalism will be a priority. adult, will be permitted access throughout the Graffiti will be removed within 48 hours and park. London Cycle Hire provision will not be VISITOR SAFETY POLICIES other infrastructure repaired at the earliest increased. practicable opportunity. VSAFE 1 The Park Management will provide a safe VSafe 1.4 Penalties environment for all visitors, seeking to maintain Fixed penalty enforcements for offences current low levels of crime and vandalism. Law and including dog fouling, cycling except where order will be sensitively maintained in accordance permitted, and litter will be applied. with the park regulations and implemented by the Metropolitan Police’s Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (TRP OCU). 148 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 149 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

VCirc 1.3 Meeting different user needs VISITOR FACILITY POLICIES CONTROL OF ANIMALS POLICIES (cyclists /pedestrians/roller bladers) Priority will be given to pedestrian users of the VFAC 1 CoA 1 Gardens with the aim of facilitating access for A range of facilities will continue to be provided Manage the public’s control of dogs, park all including wheelchair users. to enhance the value of the gardens for public use. management recognises the importance of regular The two shared use pedestrian and cycle Careful management will ensure that the peaceful walking to dogs and owners, and requires that routes (Albert Approach Road and Mount character of the historic landscape is retained while dogs are always well behaved as regards other park Gate to Studio Gate; and The Broad Walk) will meeting visitor expectations in terms of activities visitors and wildlife. continue to be monitored to ensure reports of and facilities provided. The Royal Parks will ensure abuse are minimised. that all facilities provided within the park are of appropriate capacity, are suitably located within CoA 1.1 Type and number VCirc 1.4 West Carriage Drive the landscape are of a high standard and quality, of animals permitted There is no through vehicle access into cater to a wide audience and provide ‘access for all’. Only safe, domestic animals may be brought Kensington Gardens. West Carriage Drive is Kensington Gardens has a long association with to the park by visitors. Dogs will be permitted part of, and managed by, Hyde Park and forms children and children’s play facilities will continue within the conditions imposed by the Dog Walkers the eastern boundary to Kensington Gardens. to be an essential provision. Code of Conduct/Royal Parks Regulations, The aim is to work in partnership with Hyde which limits number of dogs per visitor, etc. Park to improve the ambience of the parks, by continuing to restrict traffic on the road by a VFac 1.1 Toilets CoA 1.2 Control of Dogs combination of traffic calming. Within this While the location of toilets is considered Dogs shall be kept under the control of owners overall aim, the need to maintain access for as adequate, the policy is to maintain these to and a series of dog-free and dog-leash zones staff and visitors to the Serpentine and Sackler a high standard. will continue to be enforced to reduce conflict Galleries is recognised. between different park users. Dogs shall be kept VFac 1.2 Catering within sight and under control at all times and To give careful consideration to the siting and shall continue to be excluded from the children’s appearance of the kiosks and mobile catering playgrounds, from internal cafe areas and from outlets, which need to be positively visible to gated ornamental gardens, and all water bodies. park visitors, but should not be intrusive in relation to the parkland setting. CoA 1.3 Dog Faeces The Royal Parks will seek to work with owners VFac 1.3 Albert Memorial kiosk to reduce and ultimately eliminate dog faeces Develop an improved facility while avoiding within the Park. To this end TRP will continue further encroachment into the park and to provide an adequate, suitably located extension of hard surfacing in this area. number of bins for dog waste. Use of these will be encouraged by a combination of visitor VFac 1.4 Children’s Play education and enforcement by the Royal Parks Kensington Gardens will continue to provide Operational Command Unit (Met. Police). and improve play opportunities both in the form of designated facilities (playgrounds) and opportunities for play within the wider parkland. PART 5 IMPLEMENTATION 152 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 153 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF The processes for monitoring the follow  Park Community: social inclusiveness THE MANAGEMENT PLAN through of policies and aims which are stated and accessibility. AND REVIEW in this management plan into action plans, This Management Plan sets out a long-term  Views: protection and management of includes: vision for the management of Kensington views and skyspace. Gardens and is to be used as a source of  Park Business Plans (updated annually)  Ecology: continual enhancements to information and guidance for the future  The Operations Plan, which transposes biodiversity including specific focus development of the park. the specific aims stated in this plan into on acid grassland. In the short-term it is intended that the objectives for delivery. Management Plan will provide the basis  Presentation: quality and promptness for decision making, route marking the  Arboricultural Department Project of cleaning operations. management of routine maintenance and Tracker (updated monthly)  Events: Location, frequency and scale of targeted projects with policies and with  CREW List for projects and FMR of events in relation to the Gardens, strategic and specific aims. (Forward Maintenance Register) for cyclical Consideration of resources is involved maintenance to the parks’ built fabric. in the process of implementation. Where additional resources will be required, the Park  PAG Landscape (and non-landscape) Projects REVIEW Manager will decide on priorities for funding,  Ecology Projects Register – to be developed The management plan will be reviewed at and selection of delivery mechanism, for the end of the first five year period in 2021.  instance as PAG projects, as additions to routine Hydrology Projects Register – to be developed The purpose of this review is specifically maintenance through CONFIRM, as projects to incorporate information newly available undertaken with cyclical maintenance budgets, Monitoring the effects of the management (e.g. visitor surveys, ecological surveys, tree or as volunteer delivered. New approaches will policies and projects is fundamental for the surveys), take changing circumstances into also be considered. successful use and the implementation of the account (security, traffic movements), and assess Policies are always taken into account plan. This process should relate achievements achievements over the first five years in terms during park operations. to policies and aims, and provide information of (a) policy (successes and failures) and (b) on which to base future amendments to the projects. management plan or its management policies. The review should set out a further detailed MONITORING In order to understand successful schedule of works and a timetable for future monitoring the baseline information needs to be Monitoring of the park’s stated aims and plan review. kept up to date. policies may be applied at two distinct levels: a) It is fundamental that this management The key areas for monitoring at Kensington general approaches and focus for priorities, and, plan is seen as ‘dynamic’ and is flexible and Gardens are: b) specific application into actions. Arenas that responsive to change. As new information collate and assess multiple achievements are:  Trees: the condition of trees in becomes available consideration may need to be relation to continuation and timings of given to modifying or changing prescriptions.  Monthly progress reports from the Park the renewal strategy. Such changes should always be assessed in Manager to the Head of Park Services – the light of the management plan framework  monthly reports to Excom. Integrity of the design as a whole and and should not have an adverse impact upon in parts: and the Gardens’ relationship  Annual Green Flag and Green Heritage the essential spirit of place (genius loci) of with Kensington Palace judges’ comments. the Gardens. In keeping with best practice,  Condition: quality of presentation in significant changes of direction should be beds, surfaces, buildings and monuments, widely consulted to gain consensus before furniture and water infrastructure. adoption. 154 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 155 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

THE PROJECT REGISTER The Project Register is a dynamic component TABLE 1: PROJECTS LIST UP TO 2016 of the Management Plan and sets out recent Project Register 2006 – April 2016 Notable achievements during the life of the previous Management Plan. achievements and potential projects generated by or acted upon by The Royal Parks. It also includes a list of known project possibilities 2007–08 2012–13 Palace Gate Kiosk development Marlborough Gate Toilet Refurbishment generated by other agencies which could have impacts on the Gardens, on their setting or 2009–10 2013–14 viewshed. Veteran tree strategy produced Albert Memorial - paving refurbishment Creation of the allotment garden Round Pond - safety and renewal works – All future projects and timescales are dependent and the associated volunteer team paving, edging and surface renewal on funding and resources being available. Italian Gardens borehole and water Round Pond - Removal of ‘runway strip’ distribution system SFW landscape restoration – Snake Walk Production of Tree Strategy Mount Gate Toilet Refurbishment 2009–11 Magazine restoration and development 2014–15 Leaf pen bay construction and of the Serpentine Sackler Gallery Environment Agency licensing 2010–11 SFW landscape restoration – Leaf Pen Effluent Drainage system western end and Albert Memorial link path and Water Supply Long Water. Creation of swan island, gravel beech. Long Water reedbed installation. Iris beds and installation of new Tern raft. Production of Tree Strategy (Avenues Plan) update 2010–12 Kensington Palace – East Front Great Bow tree planting landscape restoration (Year 1 of 2014 Tree Strategy)

2011–12 2015–16 Planting of wilderness beds and break-out beds Mount Walk cycle improvements Albert Memorial – railings refurbishment Replacement contractors welfare and compound – planning and development stages Satellite beds structure planting East of Orangery Lawns Dials area tree planting (Year 2 of 2014 Tree Strategy) Tiffany project – Italian Gardens. New pumping system and refurbishment Upgraded irrigation replacemnt of stonework and pools including pool planting in SFW and Albert Memorial Laws (June 2016) Leaf Pen Wall Repairs and Store Construction New Italian Gardens Cafe opened Buck Hill playground renewal Hyde borehole 2 pipework extended to supply SFW and Albert memorial irrigation, Re-installation of Henry More Arch (2012) the Round Pond and Mount Gate toilets. SFW landscape restoration - Snobs Crossing Additional tree planting to North and South Feathers of Great Bow Small path and estate railing works between Queensway Toilets and the Broad Walk. Additional tree planting to North and South Feathers of Great Bow 156 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 157 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Table 2. Projects Lists 2016–21

CURRENT PROJECTS PLAN 2016–21 Specific Aims/ Policy 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CYCLICAL ASPIRATIONAL Opportunities*

Acid Grassland. Development and delivery appropriate Opps: 1,3 Bio: 1.2 restoration schemes in targeted areas. Aims: 2,3, (Q) Grass: 1.1

Albert Memorial Undercroft Creation of useable commercial space

Albert Memorial Kiosk Replacement of the existing facility within a ‘garden’ setting Aims: 2 (SFW) B&MS: 1.5 VFac: 1.3

Albert Memorial Turf restoration and improvement Opps: 2 EV&Ent: 1.2

Albertopolis Civic realm scheme reconnecting Aims: 1 M&Ma: 1 The Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial

Broad Walk Aims: 2 Path: 1 Scope improvements to surface and edge treatments

Buck Hill Introduction of traditional meadow cutting Aims: 2 Grass: 1.1 techniques to improve biodiversity

Buck Hill Aims: 1 View: 1.5 Reinforce historic pattern of trees; and eye catcher at end of Front Walk

Buck Hill Aims: 3 VFac: 1.4 Play and landscape improvements to Buck Hill playground

Buck Hill Aims: 2 B&MS: 1 Peacock Shelter repairs

Bulb planting. Safeguarding existing stands and creating Opps: 8 Bio: 1 new stands of mainly indigenous species 158 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 159 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Specific Aims/ Policy 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CYCLICAL ASPIRATIONAL Opportunities*

Diana Playground and Old Wilderness Opps: 2,5,6 B&MS: 1 Development of Landscape Strategy and delivery phases Aims: 1,2,3 B&Ms: 1.5

Grindestone Quarter Reintroduce understorey planting beside Aims: 2 replacement avenue trees

Hedge Laying Habitat enhancements of further native hedgerow Aims: 1 (Albert) Hedge: 1 sections along the south side of the Gardens

Henry Moore Arch Investigate cause of discolouration; remove Aims: 7 M&Ma: 1 orange sand and replace with silver sand

Hyde Park Borehole. Connectivity into Kensington Gardens. Aims: 4 (RP) Wat: 1.2 & 1.3

Interpretation Develop information for visitors to relate to and share Aims: 1 (SFW) Ed&Int: 1.4 Kensington Gardens’ history, tree species, grassland ecology, local bird and wildlife species; and specific locations that benefit from renewal projects eg. South Flower Walk phase 4, North Flower Walk, Albert Memorial

Italian Gardens. Paving and drainage refurbishment works. Aims: 1 Path: 1.4

Jubilee Walk and Orme Square Gate. Access, path and signage improvements. Opps: 4 B&Gt: 1.5

Kingfisher Bank. Habitat creation on the Long Water. Aims: 9 Biodiv: 1

Kings Arms Gate. Entrance and access improvements Opps: 1 / Aims: 4 B&Gt: 1.3

Land Drains Review the condition of land drains in south of Dial Walk Aims: 6 B&Gt: 1.3 to prevent damage by water-logging to trees

Leaf Pen Habitat and boundary improvements. Aims: 2 (Q:R.CH.) Shrub:1 160 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 161 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Specific Aims/ Policy 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CYCLICAL ASPIRATIONAL Opportunities*

Magazine Gate Addition of new turnstile. Opps: 2 B&Gt: 1.2

Mount Walk Cycle Improvements and post implementation monitoring Opps: 1 VCirc: 1.3

Mount Walk Bandstand Scope bandstand as a functional park feature; create design Aims: 7 M&MA: 1 to overcome H&S issues that currently exclude it from use.

North Flower Walk. Landscape restoration/creation Opps: 1/ Aims: 1,2 & 3 Hort: 1 of improved garden destination

Peter Pan Landscape and access improvements. Opps: 3 / Aims: 3 M&Ma: 1.2

Queen Anne’s Alcove Internal and external refurbishment and creation of storage. Opps: 4 / Aims: 3 B&Ms:1

Scrub planting Focus on Buck Hill and the Quarters including Aims: 3 (BH) Biodiv: 1.2 reinforcement of existing ‘break-out’ beds

Shrub Planting – South Wilderness Increase native planting characteristic Aims: 1.1 Shrub: 1 of the seasonally wet conditions

Silver Thimble Shelters Restoration and replacement of timber seating Opps: 3 / Aims: 6 M&Ma: 1.3

South Flower Walk Phase 4a landscape restoration - to Lancaster Walk Opps: 2 Hort: 1

South Flower Walk Phase 4b landscape restoration – to Mount Gate Opps: 2 / Aims: 4 Hort: 1

South Flower Walk Horticultural improvement of raised planters. Aims: 3 Hort: 1

South Flower Walk Continue horticultural enhancements in conjunction Aims: 3 Hort: 1 with selective removals of amenity shrubs. 162 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 163 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Specific Aims/ Policy 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 CYCLICAL ASPIRATIONAL Opportunities*

South Flower Walk/ Old Pond Wood border Revise and refine planting on park side of SFW to Aims: 1 Hort: 1.2 improve the character of woodland edge type planting

The Dials Ephemeral overlay of the historic formal garden Aims: 2 Ed&Int: 1.4

The Long Water Access and habitat improvements. Aims: 1,2,4,5, 6, 9,10 & 11 Biodiv: 1

The Round Pond Scoping possible habitat creation and/or waterfowl island Aims: 3 Biodivt: 1.2

The Storeyard Construction of replacement contractors welfare and storage Aims: 5 M&Ma: 1.4

Trees Review the 2010 Veteran Tree Strategy Opps: 8 Tree: 1.7

Trees density In Basin Wilderness NW and SW increase density of tree Aims: 1 Tree: 1.6 planting, using naturally regenerated oak and hornbeam

Tree planting Elements to be delivered Aims: 1 Trees 1 & TrAVE 1 according to the Tree Strategy

Views Restore by selective tree removal the historic view Aims: 1 View: 1.5 & 1.6 from Queen Caroline’s Temple to the Serpentine Bridge Restore view from Serpentine bridge to Italian Gardens by selective shrub pruning

Water Repair blocked land drainage west of Temple Wat: 1.4

WWI Centenary project Work proactively with the Royal Parks Foundation on Opps Eng&Out:1.6 funding bids & potentially to recreate camouflage school 164 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 165 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

CONTINUING MANAGEMENT Identify and welcome opportunities to introduce PART B: ACTIONS 2016 –21 new horticultural planting features and styles POSSIBLE PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY EXTERNAL AGENCIES WITH Shrub beds: targeted renewal and replacement Arboricultural Team & Park Management POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE GARDENS Continue to implement recommendations of programme covering all shrub beds areas. 2010 Veteran Tree Strategy Russian Embassy Proposals near Orme Square Maintain the botanical diversity of trees General Park Management Gate (coach parking area) – may affect setting Manage ageing trees and strategic and Building Works – forward Maintenance Register of Orme Square Gate and adjacent ground with planned renewalsSelected removal of natural Maintain high standard of maintenance of all mature beech trees, to north of Perks’s Field. regenerated tree stock in the Quarters to buildings & structures, especially conservation maintain canopy/ meadow balance. and enhancement of their settings; maintain Albertopolis and proposals concerning Continue amelioration measures to root zone cyclical programme of maintenance. (still being defined) and compaction: mulching, guarding with encircling Ensure a continual replacement of M&E features their local impact on the Gardens. TRP will brambles to deter footfall to keep buildings to a high standard and to remain on consultee list and work with Royal Monitor Princeton Elms in South Wilderness minimise unscheduled failures. Need to resolve Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 to user conflict with considerable quantities of ensure proposals compatible with the spirit and Delivery of further annual tree planting phases; traffic to Kensington Palace on Jubilee Walk. principles of the design of Kensington Gardens. and of tree thinning to ensure well formed replacements; and of replacments for the Broad Monitor quality, appearance and Walk Avenue, as outlined in the Tree Strategy. appropriateness of information boards. Queensway/Bayswater Road developments. Develop visitor information to be displayed at catering facilities. Ecology Team & Park Management Apply ecological principles to manage Consider enhancement works to landscape shrub areas fabric in areas of high visitor pressure. Undertake ecological surveys, water and visual Continue to monitor and restrain roller-bladers water quality monitoring. and cyclists, in particular to gauge effects of CSH; and to monitor points of stress between pedestrians and fast-wheeling park users. Horticulture & Park Management Continue to develop relations and agree Ensure complimentary maintenance regimes limitations with regular sport users and with Kensington Palace children’s organised sport activities; and Ensure horticulture maintenance coordinate management with Hyde Park team. by LMC is to highest standard Enforce dogs on leads policy by Round Pond Horticulture management to include Maintain annual update of the Diana consideration of ecological benefits Playground Operations Plan Shrubberies to strike a balance between biodiversity and historical & aesthetic objectives – eg. dense thickets for nesting; view over Long Water; pruning for elegance &wider spacing for visual clarity & underplanting. APPENDICES 168 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 169 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

APPENDIX 1: by using many common elements which carry The Royal Parks Veteran Tree Survey Kensington Gardens, 2010 APPENDICES brand and quality. [publicly available on the internet] (Luke Fay & Will Gardner)

Sources TRP Interim Transport Strategy 2015 Ground Flora Survey of Hyde Park and The Historical Survey (Land Use Consultants 1986) Provides an overarching view and analysis of the issues, policies, Kensington Gardens 2013 principles and pressures currently affecting transport within the A Phase One Habitat and Phase Two National Vegetation Report from The Royal Parks Review Group under parks.(stored internally on TRIM] Classification survey of Kensington Gardens; describes the survey the chairmanship of Dame Jennifer Jenkins, methods, habitats and vegetation, recommends management Ipsos Mori Visitor Survey (Published 2015) improvements; with appendices of species lists, quadrat data and Kensington Gardens: An Archaeological Survey (1994): The Ipsos MORI survey (2013 and 2014) of seasonal visitor target notes. [commisioned report, not publicly available] the report of the detailed archaeological survey across all eight Royal Parks estimated 77.7 million visits for the Artificial Lighting: a Draft Position Statement by undertaken by The Royal Commission on Historic year. Information from the survey allows TRPto plan effectively, The Royal Parks regarding its Ecological Effects and Monuments in England (RCHME) ensure resources are used in the right way, and maintain the Implications for Planning (January 2009) balance between users of the parks and the need to sustain the Guidance on protocols and procedures for the setup and break- natural and wildlife environment.. [on TRP website] down of events in relation to their proximity to trees [internal Gazetteer of Royal Parks Plans, Strategies document]. and Guidance TRP Education Strategy (2013-2015) The TRP education strategy will be reviewed in line with TRP Pollinator Strategy TRP Management Agreement (2012/2015) the organisational changes in the coming year. At present Our Pollinator Strategy sets out the actions we are taking Sets out the purpose and corporate objectives for TRP, the the educational delivery is carried out in different parks by in the Royal Parks to help reverse the decline in pollinator strategic direction, within which the purpose will be met: endorsed skilled environmental educationalists. populations. [on TRP website] by the Royal Parks Board and Ministerial agreement. TRP Stakeholder Engagement Strategy 2014 Cycling in The Royal Parks: The Pathway Code of Conduct: TRP Corporate Plan (2013-2016) Gives a vision for and principles of, the scope and delivery considerate cycling: TRP Detailed Cycling Policy States TRP’s purpose, role, planning for funding changes, of local park, visitor and partner organisation stakeholder Sets out where cycling is allowed, protocol and priorities; background and context, corporate objectives and KPTs. engagement; current practice and future plans. guidance and expected behaviour [on TRP website] [publicly available on the internet] [publically available on the internet] Sustainability Strategy (2015-2025) The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Royal Parks Volunteer Strategy 2014–2017 Sustainability is one of TRP key corporate aims. TRP Sustainability (Amendment) etc. Regulations (2010) Outlines the contribution to the parks form volunteering, Strategy aims to embed sustainability across all of TRP operations, The most recent amendment to the statutory regulations their growing numbers, policy and trends, key objectives including park management and park operational plans. governing the Royal Parks [publicly available on the internet] and guiding principles. [stored internally on TRIM] The four Royal Parks sustainability pillars are: TRP Annual Report and Accounts 2014/2015 TRP Sports, Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2010–2015) As presented to the House of Commons, a 70 page report Provides a picture of the well-being related activities currently 1. on the workings and function of the Royal Parks, remuneration taking place across the estate and highlights issues that need Sustainable growth, economically and environmentally: providing statement, governance statement of work of the TRP Board; greatest focus over five years. [on TRP website] a financially viable and environmentally and the year’s statement of accounts and financial position. excellent public park. [publicly available on the internet] TRP Play Strategy 2015: Describes what The Royal Parks understands by play and how we 2. TRP Sustainability Strategy 2015-2025 – will ensure that we provide a quality environment for play, young Climate Change: Sustainable transport, Reducing available on TRP website people’s social interaction, and informal play for children. We have greenhouse gas emissions, Managing water, Efficient Guides to influence and embed sustainability across all of TRP prepared this play strategy in line with the guidance provided by use of raw materials and waste. operations, including park management and park operational plans. Play England and The London Plan. [on TRP website] Sets four pillars focused on Sustainable growth, economically and 3. environmentally: Climate Change: People & wellbeing: Protecting TRP Tree Risk Management Policy and Procedures 2007 People & fairness and improving wellbeing: Healthy and enhancing the natural environment & biodiversity. Outlines risk zones, guidance on the delivery of surveying, workforce, Education and volunteering, Community [TRP Intranet] inspections, remedial works, roles and responsibilities, and engagement & enhancement, Health & sport, Visitor background legislation. [stored internally on TRIM] experience. Hosting Major Events 2015 States the background, approach, principles, individual park’s TRP Arboricultural Guidance Document: Trees and Events 4. capacity for events, sustainability aims and reinstatement.; advice Guidance on protocols and procedures for the setup and break- Protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment for those planning to host with guidlelines, regulations and contact down of events in relation to their proximity to trees [internal & biodiversity: Eco-systems, wildlife & species, Natural details [publicly available on the internet] document]. landscapes and the built environment, Pest management and disease. Small Events in The Royal Parks 2010 (updated 2013) Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy 2014 Outlines the criteria of ‘small event’; gives advice for those planning The Kensington Gardens Tree Strategy (2014) follows on to host with guidlelines, regulations and contact details. [publicly from the 2010 Tree Strategy and focuses on specific proposals available on the internet] for tree planting in defined areas and avenues within the Gardens. It is essentially an action plan developed with the objective of TRP Landscape Design Guide (2009-10) ensuring a suitable succession of trees within the Gardens. Sets out the policies and principles covering selection and design [on TRP website] of traffic signs and road markings, ground surfaces, park furniture, planting schemes, landscape design. With appreciation for each park’s has individual qualities, the guide seeks to bring coherence 170 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 171 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

APPENDIX II: DEFINITION OF TERMS APPENDIX III APPENDIX IV: HISTORIC ENGLAND LIST ENTRY Conservation The work of the TRP Arboricultural team includes Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is a relatively new process Conservation management of the pests and diseases affecting trees. of rapid decline where trees develop symptoms such as Kensington Gardens List Entry Summary Following Historic England’s Conservation Principles, Policies and They produce the TRP Assessment and Management of Tree longitudinal bleeding lesions and extensive dieback in the Guidance Pest and Diseases Plan 2013–2018. crown over a period of 1–5 years. (2008), they define conservation thus: This garden or other land is registered under the Historic ‘Our definition of conservation includes the objective Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register A short description of the main challenges TRP is involved in a long term study with Treeworks of sustaining heritage values. In managing significant of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special from pests and diseases follows: Environmental Practice to monitor and trial mitigation places, ‘to preserve’, even accepting its established treatments such as wood mulch and Compost Tea as a soil historic interest. legal definition of ‘to do no harm’, is only one aspect of Massaria Disease of Plane (Splanchnonema platani) drench and foliar application. This study has practical usage and what is needed to sustain heritage values. The concept Name: KENSINGTON GARDENS which results in a loss of strength and a risk of brittle importance within TRP but also nationwide potentially. of conservation area designation, with its requirement List entry Number: 1000340 branch fractures, is considered a priority disease under ‘to preserve or enhance’, also recognises the potential TRP’s tree management strategy. Ash Dieback (Hymenocyphus fraxineus) has not yet been for beneficial change to significant places, to reveal and identified within the Royal Parks. If /when it is identified the Location reinforce value. ‘To sustain’ embraces both preservation The garden or other land may lie within the First identified in 2008, and now considered endemic to management will fall in line with national guidelines as well as and enhancement to the extent that the values of a boundary of more than one authority. London, since 2012 TRP have a dedicated full-time role with TRP management and tree strategies. place allow. Considered change offers the potential to County: Authority for Massaria identification and management. Management enhance and add value to places, as well as generating District: Westminster City Council is aimed at reducing risk to the public and managing the Canker Stain of Plane (CSP) (Ceratocystis platanii) and the need to protect their established heritage values. District Type: London Borough long term health of London plane (Platanus x hispanica). Xylella fastidiosa have not yet been identified within the It is the means by which each generation aspires to UK. The TRP Arboricultural Department is involved with Parish: enrich the historic environment.’ organisations such as the Forestry Commission, Forest Research County: Over time Massaria will alter the crown shape and density District: Kensington and Chelsea of affected trees; this may lead to more frequent storm and the London Tree Officers Association to monitor and survey Aesthetic District Type: London Borough damage as well as the loss of photosynthetic potential, for the presence of these diseases. Arnold Berleant enlightens here from his book Living in the Parish: with potential to cause more problems in the future. Landscape: toward an aesthetics of environment (1997, p32) National Park: Not applicable to this List entry. Grade: I ‘In its largest sense, environmental aesthetics denotes TRP is involved with Treeworks Environmental Practice, leading Date first registered: 01-Oct-1987 the appreciative engagement of humans as part of a a long term study to identify beneficial management strategies Date of most recent amendment: total environment complex, where the intrinsic experience to alleviate the affect of Massaria infection; these include Not applicable to this List entry. of sensory qualities and immediate meaning predominates. Compost Tea application as a soil drench and foliar application, --- Environmental experience here is not exclusively pruning methods and soil amelioration and mulching. Legacy System Information visual but actively involves all the sensory modalities The contents of this record have been generated synesthetically, engaging the participant in intense (Thaumetopoea Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) from a legacy data system. awareness. --- Environmental aesthetics thus becomes processionea) is considered a priority pest under TRP’s tree Legacy System: Parks and Gardens the study of environmental experience and the management strategy due to the risk to public and animal health UID: 1284 immediate and intrinsic value of its perceptual and c from the caterpillar stage of the moth which causes skin and eye ognitive dimensions.’ irritations. It has the potential to affect all park users Asset Groupings This list entry does not comprise part of an Asset Grouping. OPM caterpillars live on branches of oak trees, feeding on the Significance Asset Groupings are not part of the official record but are Historic England analyse three components of what foliage and causing severe defoliation which, in extreme cases, added later for information. significance means in this context (Managing Significance can result in the death of the tree. in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment p2) List entry Description OPM is managed by the identification and removal of nests on 1.1.1 Summary of Garden 1. mature trees. This is a difficult job, which requires training and Legacy Record - This information may be included nature The of significance – ‘ important for understanding the experience, and considerable financial resources. in the List Entry Details. needs and best means of conservation. For example, a modern building of high architectural interest will have quite different TRP has an important stock of veteran oak trees which could 1.1.2 Reasons for Designation sensitivities from an archaeological site where the interest arises be threatened by OPM. Management of OPM where there are Legacy Record - This information may be included from the possibility of gaining new understanding of the past.’ ecological designations such as Richmond Park (SSSI and NNR), in the List Entry Details. brings additional statutory obligations to use management 2. methods with as little impact on the biodiversity in the park 1.1.3 History extent The of that significance - ‘important because it can, as possible. Legacy Record - This information may be included among other things, lead to a better understanding of how in the List Entry Details. adaptable the asset may be and therefore improve viability Bacterial Canker of Horse Chestnut (Pseudomonas and the prospects for long term conservation.’ syringae pv, aesculi) has to date affected over 75% of TRP’s A. 1.1.4 Details hippocastanum A. x carnea and resulting in the death of many. Pleasure grounds and park begun in the late C17 by George 3. London and Henry Wise, incorporating land from Hyde Park, level of The significance – ‘important as it provides the essential Due to the large number of affected trees, also resulting in a with development from the C18 by Charles Bridgeman and A. hippocastanum A. x carnea guide to how the policies should be applied. This is intrinsic to loss of amenity value; and are no William Forsyth. decision-taking where there is unavoidable conflict with other longer considered a sustainable species to plant. More disease planning objectives.’ resistant species such as the Indian horse chestnut (A. indica) are chosen instead. NOTE This entry is a summary. Because of the complexity of this site, the standard Register entry format would convey 172 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 173 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

neither an adequate description nor a satisfactory account of In 1784 William Forsyth (one of the founder members of the Kensington Gardens, laid mainly to grass, are crossed by a REFERENCES the development of the landscape. The user is advised to consult Royal Horticultural Society) was appointed ‘Gardener to the number of paths which radiate from the gates and from points N Cole, Royal Parks and Gardens of London (1877), pp 19–24 the references given below for more detailed accounts. Many King at Kensington’ and made a number of changes which within the site. There are two major walks: Lancaster Walk N Braybrooke, London Green (1959), pp 49–100 P Willis, Listed Buildings exist within the site, not all of which have been included planting quantities of fruit trees in the west part of the which runs north/south across the centre of the site between Charles Bridgeman and the English Landscape Garden (1977) here referred to. Descriptions of these are to be found in the Upper Wilderness (to the north of the Palace) and probably Lancaster Gate to the north and the Albert Memorial (1872, Hyde Park, Historical Survey: Report for Royal Parks Agency, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest introducing a paddock for the royal horses. It is clear from listed grade I) on the southern boundary; and the Broad Walk (Land Use Consultants 1982) G Williams, produced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. the plans made by Forsyth (Kensington Palace and Gardens, which runs north/south between Bayswater (Black Lion Gate) (1987), pp 64-77 D Jacques and A van der Horst, The Gardens of 1787), that the sunk garden made by Wise, most of the Upper and Knightsbridge (Palace Gate). Both walks are recorded on William and Mary (1988) B Cherry and N Pevsner, The Buildings Wilderness, and all the serpentine walks had been lost by the Bridgeman’s plan of 1728 (reproduced in Willis 1977). The early of England: London 3 North West (1991), pp 471-89 R Church, HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT mid 1780s. C18 avenue of elms along the Broad Walk was replaced in 1954 London’s Royal Parks (1993), pp 26-30 Between 1536 and 1689 most of the land that later became with lime trees. Kensington Gardens was part of Hyde Park (qv). In 1689 By the early C19 the gardens were open to the ‘respectable’ Maps [reporduced in LUC 1982] Henry Wise (?), Kensington Nottingham House, later to be named Kensington Palace, was public every day. The increasing public access gave rise to Kensington Palace (listed grade I) is set close to the western Palace and Gardens ad Hyde Park, c 1706, Work 32/312 J bought from Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham as a convenient expectations of facilities and entertainment similar to that which boundary. The brick-built palace has its origins as a small country Rocque, Kensington Palace and Gardens and part of Hyde Park, retreat for William III and Queen Mary. It was considered could be found in neighbouring Hyde Park. The Victorian and house, Nottingham House, built c 1605. After it was bought by 1736 W Forsyth, Kensington Palace and Gardens, surveyed sufficiently removed from Westminster, yet more accessible Edwardian period had a great impact on the site, this being a William III in 1689 the house was only gradually enlarged and 1784-7 C and J Greenwood, Map of London, surveyed 1824-6, than Hampton Court (qv). Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was period of partial merging with Hyde Park. The first refreshment did not become known as Kensington Palace until the C18. To published 1827 J Mann, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, commissioned to enlarge Nottingham House while George room opened in 1855 and the original bandstand in 1869. The the north of the Palace is the brick-built Orangery (listed grade surveyed 1840, published 1846 London (d 1714) and Henry Wise (1653-1738), from the nearby number of drinking fountains and public lavatories increased and I) constructed for Queen Anne in 1704. The Orangery was Brompton Nurseries, were appointed to carry out works in the there was a proliferation of statues and monuments throughout probably designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, with some revisions OS 25” to 1 mile: grounds, mainly gravelling walks. In 1689 the king’s private road the Victorian period. The 1840s saw the first of a number of by Vanbrugh (Cherry and Pevsner 1991). The west front of the 1st edition published 1869 (now Rotten Row) was made from Kensington, through Hyde nurseries on the site of the Mount which had been removed by Palace overlooks Kensington Palace Green from which it is 2nd edition published 1894–6 Park to Westminster. The elaborate design of the gardens made this time. The use of the gardens for sheep grazing appears to separated by tall iron railings. In front of the C18 entrance gates 3rd edition published 1916 to the south of the Palace in 1690 and 1691 are shown on an have begun sometime in the first half of the C19. A particular (listed grade II) stands a bronze statue of William III (listed grade engraving dated c 1706 (Jacques and van der Horst 1988). characteristic of Kensington Gardens which only evolved in the II) erected in 1907. The east front of the Palace overlooks lawns Description written: December 1999 late C19 and early C20 was its association with children, best and a statue of Queen Victoria. To the north-east of the Palace is Amended: January 2000 Register At the beginning of Queen Anne’s reign (c 1702) Henry Wise symbolised by the statue of Peter Pan (1912). The children’s the early C20 Sunken Garden, decorated with herbaceous beds, Inspector: LCH Edited: January 2002 alone was contracted to look after the gardens. Queen Anne playground north of the Palace was established in 1909. and the Orangery Garden laid out at the same time but in the removed the box hedges much beloved of Queen Mary. In 1704 Dutch Style. 1.1.5 Selected Sources Wise took over the kitchen garden and c 12ha of gravel pits There were few innovations or changes in the period between Legacy Record – This information may north of the Palace which were made into a formal wilderness the two world wars. The basic planting structure remained The pleasure grounds to the east of the Broad Walk are be included in the List Entry Details of several quarters, one of them containing a mock mount of substantially the same although there were both losses and dominated by two pieces of water: the c 3ha Round Pond and evergreens, another a sunken terrace garden. The next year 41ha replacements. From 1919 the Round Pond became increasingly the Long Water. Both are based on existing bodies of water National Grid Reference: TQ 26342 80148 was taken from Hyde Park. This land, which also became Wise’s popular as a place for sailing model boats. During the Second which are shown on a plan of 1706 attributed to Henry Wise. responsibility, was used as a paddock to accommodate the royal World War most of the external and internal railings were The plan shows an oblong basin of water to the west and a deer and antelopes. By 1711 Wise, whose contract had been removed and enemy bombs destroyed two lodges. In 1953- string of ten pools to the east. Between 1726 and 1728 the basin renewed five years earlier, considered the garden to be finished. 4 400 trees were felled, including 200 along the Broad Walk. was enlarged to the shape of the Round Pond. A series of trout The improvements had been complemented by the addition of The Broad Walk was replanted between 1972 and 1981 with pools along the line of the Westbourne were linked to form the ornamental buildings and garden furniture. After 1711 no more Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and Lime (Tilia platyphyllos). Long Water in 1727 (LUC 1982). The broader, longer Serpentine building works were undertaken by Queen Anne nor, for many was made in Hyde Park in 1731, and the two were subsequently years, by her successor George I. Kensington Gardens remains (1999) a public open space linked to form one water body. At the north end of the Long managed by the Royal Parks Agency. The Palace continues to be Water are the Italian Fountains (listed grade II); constructed in Between 1689 and 1727 Kensington Palace grew from the used as a residence by members of the royal family. 1860 as part of The Serpentine cleaning works the fountains are nucleus of Nottingham House and had became an important set within four pools with elaborate urns. On the south side royal residence. In 1726, the year in which he was appointed stone balustrades with carved roundels flank water nymphs Royal Gardener (along with Wise), Charles Bridgeman (d 1738) SUMMARY DESCRIPTION attending the cascade down to the Long Water. Overlooking submitted estimates for new works in Kensington Gardens; Kensington Gardens is situated in west London immediately the fountains to the north is the single-storey Italianate shelter these were undertaken between 1727 and 1731. Bridgeman to the west of Hyde Park. The gently undulating c 112ha site (listed grade II) which was built to house the pumping engine for created a ha-ha and new wall as a boundary with Hyde Park; falls slightly from north to south and is bounded to the north the fountains. To the north-east of the shelter is Queens Anne’s constructed the Round Pond and the Long Water or Canal, and by Bayswater Road and to the east by the West Carriage Drive Alcove (listed grade II*). Constructed c 1706-7 and moved laid out the gardens. Most of the work was initiated by George I of Hyde Park. Kensington High Street and to this location in 1868, it formerly stood to the south of the and completed after his death by George II and Queen Caroline. make up the south boundary, and Kensington Palace Green and Palace. Queen Anne’s flower borders were removed and replaced by the rear gardens of houses in Kensington Place Gardens the lawns, plantations, promenades, and vistas. In 1728 Wise retired boundary to the west. The west bank of the Long Water is decorated with lawns, trees, and Bridgeman became sole Royal Gardener, continuing working and shrubberies amongst which stands Sir ’s to improve and maintain the gardens. In 1733 Kensington There are a total of twenty-two gateways into Kensington statue of Peter Pan (listed grade II*) which was erected in 1912. Gardens was open to the public on Sunday nights. Charles Gardens and, in terms of public use, all except Queen’s Gate, At the south end of the Long Water is the Serpentine Bridge Bridgeman died in 1738, the year after Queen Caroline, and Coalbrookdale Gate, and Palace Gate, all to the south of (listed grade II) which carries the West Carriage Drive (the Samuel Milward was appointed Chief Gardener at Kensington the site, are for pedestrians only. The majority of the lesser eastern boundary of the site), with pedestrian access to Hyde Palace and St James’s Palace (qv). On the death of George II entrances were constructed by 1890. Many of the actual gates, Park underneath it. The bridge was constructed 1825-8 by in 1760 Kensington Palace ceased to be the principal royal like the railings, were melted down in 1942 and now have late George Rennie who in 1828 brought the two pieces of water to residence, an important factor in preserving the earlier layout C20 replacements. Original gates and railings survive at the the same level. rather than it being redeveloped (LUC 1982). Magazine. 174 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 175 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Plan with the C18 Century named parts of the Garden 176 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 177 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Features Lost and Removed 178 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 179 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

Post-medieval Features in Kensington Gardens 180 1: CONTEXT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2: DESCRIPTION AND USE 3: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 4: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND 5: IMPLEMENTATION APPENDICES 181 POLICIES FOR KENSINGTON GARDENS

National Vegetation Classification Habitats 2013

Based upon the Ordnance Survey 1:250 scale mapping with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office ©Crown Copyright TRP Licence: 100018920