WE MUST CHERISH THESE PRECIOUS JEWELS

THE 5,000 acres of the Royal Parks have a long history dating back to at least 1433, when Greenwich Park was created for Henry V’s younger brother Humphrey.

They now stretch across London from Bushy and Richmond in the west to Greenwich in the east by way of the capital’s most celebrated landscapes: Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill. And let’s not forget Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Tower Gardens and Horse Guards Parade.

Looking at the beauty of the Royal Parks, it’s easy to think that running one involves little more than mowing the grass. But paths wear out, trees are vulnerable to the depredations of disease, and buildings and structures all need care. It’s an expensive business, and these parks are all free and open to the public 365 days a year.

Their role is more important than ever – and yet they are under threat like never before. That is why The Mail on Sunday’s Save Our Parks campaign is so important.

The pressures of development and strained budgets have led to the privatisation of space that used to be part of the public realm. Parks represent a rare commodity in towns and cities: a place to breathe, to relax, to be entertained and inspired; a space where, in an often selfish and divided world, we can enjoy being citizens together. Too often decision-makers have regarded parks as empty canvases ripe for development or green spaces that do not need investment.

A great deal of work has been done on adding up the social, economic and health benefits of parks. Well-cared-for parks create neighbourhoods where people want to live and work, as well as being magnets for investment and tourism.

While not every park is a Royal Park, each is precious – especially when we consider that parks make an enormous contribution to our physical and mental health. Every time park space is chipped away, the environmental benefits are eroded and our national health, wellbeing and sense of pride is damaged too.

When a park is gone, it is gone forever, and it is frightening how quickly neglect can bring a park close to the brink. Thirty years ago, Central Park in New York was close to closure even though it was in the middle of one of the world’s richest cities. Concerned citizens came to the rescue.

We are the world’s fifth largest economy and we cannot afford to neglect our parks. I never want to hear anyone say: ‘There used to be a park here.’