So much for that then

More details from petition creator

We would appeal to the the Prime Minister to Approach the Royal Parks management and seek to get them to reconsider their ban on the placing of Geocaches within the boundaries of all Royal Parks managed by them. Geocaching is a hobby that encourages people of all ages and stature to partake of exercise and make use of public spaces and is beneficial in pursuit of the Government’s approach to getting people to take more exercise. As this is also a family activity it encourages the younger generation to ‘get out’ with their family and also encourages the older generation to stay active. I would also like to point out that it actually contravenes the wording that is in their Business Section and is headed ‘Holding events in The Royal Parks’ Geocaching certainly fits the criteria mentioned within that quoted section Many authorities accept Geocaching with negotiated agreements in place so as the hiding of and searching for the actual Geocaches is carefully regulated.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Geocaching/

Government response

The Government recognises that Geocaching is a family activity that encourages people of all ages to take exercise and make use of public spaces.

The Royal Parks do not allow the placing of caches on land in its care, due to concerns over conservation and security issues. We understand that, on the security issue, the Royal Parks have the full support of the Metropolitan Police (who police the parks).

Richmond Park is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. The Geocaching Association of Great Britain has guidelines which acknowledge that such sites are unsuitable for this activity.