Discover the little-known role of Richmond Park during WW1 at this year’s free Open Day

Families can uncover the vital role played by Richmond Park during wartime Britain through a programme of WW1-themed activities at this year’s free Open Day.

Holly Lodge will open its doors to the public for a jam-packed programme taking place on Sunday 23rd September, from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors can take part in flag-signalling and building model airplanes, and will have the chance to meet costumed soldiers from the 10th Essex Living History Group.

Families can plant peas in a WW1 garden – echoing the allotment gardens grown in the park 100 years ago. Visitors can also explore a nature trail and have a go at various WW1-linked crafts and activities.

A free exhibition and self-guided tours across the park, will reveal how Richmond Park was a hotbed of technological, social and economic innovation during the Great War.

Testing stations inside the park developed airborne ‘balloon aprons’ which hovered 10,000 feet above the air to defend the capital against air raids by Zeppelins. And a top-secret plan for a remote-controlled boat to attack enemy ships was tested in Pen Ponds.

The park was also a crucial training ground. Women trained in flag signalling and soldiers practised shooting rifles, throwing bombs and digging trenches. Sylva Boyden became the first woman to jump with a packed parachute from a tethered balloon – right into Richmond Park. And wounded soldiers were treated at a specially-constructed hospital.

Additionally, more than 20 stalls will showcase community and conservation projects - including forestry, storytelling, wood turning and metal work. There will be attendance from groups such as the local Fire Brigade, Dr Bike, the RSPB and beetle experts, and visitors can watch a blacksmith shoeing the resident Shire Horses.

The WW1 programme has been made possible by National Lottery players through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War Then and Now programme.