Description:

This woodland garden was planted after World War II within a 19th century oak plantation, which had been fenced off by the park deputy ranger in 1831. It occupies a space of 42 acres in the southern part of Richmond Park.

Today the Isabella Plantation is an ornamental woodland garden, full of exotic plants, that is designed to be interesting all year round. The name Isabella is likely to be a corruption of the word isabel, which was used in the 15th century to mean dingy or greyish yellow - the colour of the soil in this part of the park.

The garden now has 15 known varieties of deciduous azalea and houses the national collection of 50 Kurume Azaelas. There are also 50 different species of rhododendron and 120 hybrids.

In spring, visitors can see camellias, magnolias, as well as daffodils and bluebells. From late April, the azaleas and rhododendrons are in flower.

In summer, there are displays of Japanese irises and day lilies.

By autumn, guelder rose, rowan and spindle trees are loaded with berries and leaves on the acer trees are turning red.

Even in winter, the gardens have scent and colour. There are early camellias and rhododendron, as well as mahonia, winter-flowering heathers and stinking hellebore.

The Isabella Plantation is managed on organic principles. Its luscious ground cover and mature trees make it a  good habitat for wildlife and so forms part of the Richmond Park Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a great place for bird watching with resident species including redpoll, bullfinch, wood pecker, sparrow hawk and tawny owl. There are water fowl, such as pintail, tufted duck and pochard. Visiting birds include: wood warbler, redstart and whitethroat in spring; blackcap and spotted flycatcher in summer, green sandpiper in autumn and siskin and reed bunting in winter.

The Isabella Plantation can be found in the southern third of Richmond Park less than a mile from the pedestrian Robin Hood Gate. There are free guided walks throughout the year which meet inside the garden at the gate from Broomfield Hill car park.

There are refreshments available at Broomfield Hill car park. There are also toilet facilities inside the garden hidden very discretely amongst the vegetation.

A motorised Wheelchair, which makes the job of pushing considerably easier, may be borrowed for use within the Garden between 9.00 and 15.00 on weekdays. Please ring 020 8948 3209 by noon on the day before it is required.