The Royal Parks has issued an urgent 'care alert' to park visitors in Bushy and Richmond Parks ahead of a two-day heatwave starting today (Wednesday, 24 June).

The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for London, covering all parks and green spaces. The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday, 25 June.

The urgent 'care alert' advises all park visitors to stay in the shade, stay out of the water and refrain from having BBQs in the park which could easily start the spread of wildfire.

Due to these high temperatures, the playgrounds in both parks will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

In both parks, cafés and refreshment kiosks are likely to be busier during the cooler parts of the day, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Additionally, increased travel by car means that car parks are likely to be busier, particularly during the cooler times of day.

The Royal Parks asks visitors to allow extra time for their visit and to be mindful of other park users.

In Richmond Park, the stables will exercise horses lightly during earlier hours and in the shade,

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The RP1 Richmond Park minibus is cancelled and will not run on Wednesday.