Nature ValleySecret spots

'Richmond Park is one of England's gems, not just London's. Where else can you picnic surrounded by wild deer? It really is a wildlife wonderland.'

A site of special significance for nature, science and conservation, Richmond Park is a surprisingly wild and beautiful landscape considering it's surrounded by busy suburban London.

For timeless seclusion, start at the Pen Ponds and walk north-west to Richmond Gate or north-east towards Sheen Gate. For breathtaking westward views of the Thames and beyond, head for the slopes behind Pembroke Lodge or the peaceful walks around King Henry's Mound. And for the most wonderful aromatic botanical stroll, don't miss the Isabella Plantation at the heart of the park.

'Wormwood Scrubs may conjure up images of prisons, worms and scrubland, but in fact it is a hidden gem in west London – used by dog walkers, model aircraft enthusiasts, Sunday league footballers and even the household cavalry, who practise their ceremonial horse duties here once a week. You can even go on guided wildlife walks among the "scrub"...'

Just north of the Westway, up Wood Lane heading away from Shepherd's Bush and White City, the Scrubs provides beautiful open parkland. It's one of central London's few nature reserves.

'I love London's hidden parks, squares and gardens. This is one of the world's greenest cities, mainly on account of its dozens of hidden squares – many of which are open to the public.'

There are fascinating spots all across our city. From the maze at Coronation Gardens Park, E10 to the Spanish walled garden and moat at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Garden, W10; from the splendid expanses of the Royal Parks to the hidden gems of Postman's Park, EC1 and Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3. For more, read on in this guide...

At www.naturevalley.co.uk You can find inspiration for your day in the great outdoors. There are more than 2,000 featured walks across the UK, including many choices from celebrities, such as the section called Ben Fogle's Walks.

His choices include a 'Best for Royal Parks' walk around Richmond Park. You can search all 2,000 walks by area or by level of difficulty, plus you can post your own favourite walks.