One of Britain's most celebrated vantage points, a grassy slope in Greenwich Park offering panoramic views of the Canary Wharf skyline, has been fenced off to visitors. The Royal Parks charity closed the Grand Ascent to preserve the grass, citing centuries of footfall that have caused severe erosion to the delicate grassland habitat.
Mixed Reactions from Locals and Visitors
The decision has sparked a range of opinions. Sally Wakelin, 75, a Lee Green resident and former conservator of paintings who worked in the park for 25 years, called the fenced-off area 'ugly'. She said: 'It's ugly isn't it? It should be open. If they don't want people to go on it, they should do something a little more attractive.'
Identical twins George and James Waddell, both 22, from Gravesend, Kent, have visited the park for years, considering it 'the best place in the south east'. George, a politics graduate, said: 'It's not the 1700s... Closing it down when there's not enough green spaces in London is just ridiculous in my opinion.' James, a history graduate, added: 'I used to love sitting on that part, I had some of my best memories there.'
Support for Conservation Efforts
However, not everyone opposes the closure. David Morling, 72, a Lee resident and regular park visitor, supported the changes. He said: 'I think it's a good idea they've left it like this because it opens up the ground nicely for people to stand here and actually enjoy it. The vegetation is growing as well.'
The hill, which leads to the Royal Observatory, was fenced off as part of a three-year, multi-million pound restoration project completed last year. The works reinstated 'giant steps' originally installed in the 1600s for King Charles II.
Official Statement from Royal Parks
Greenwich Park manager Clare Lanes explained: 'A recent multi-million-pound investment has restored the eroded landscape features of the Grand Ascent... However, it had become severely damaged after centuries of footfall, and fencing has been in place for at least the last two decades to protect the vulnerable landscape features.' She added that a new viewing platform by the General Wolfe statue and a piazza area offer alternative spots for visitors to enjoy the view.
The park is owned by the Crown, with the Royal Parks charity managing it on behalf of the government. The Mayor of London declined to comment.
