The Royal Parks has come under fire from runners after it appeared to ban cross-country events in Richmond Park.

The organisation issued a statement this week saying: "Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting cross country events in Richmond Park as we feel these are not suitable for the park being a SSSI [site of special scientific interest] and NNR [Natural nature reserve]."

However, following a backlash from runners it later clarified the situation saying there is no outright ban and that it considers each event on a case-by-case basis.

Runners have condemned any ban on running as 'brutal' and 'draconian', arguing it fails to appreciate the huge benefits people get from running amid the natural beauty and views offered by the majestic park.

A petition has been set up calling on the Royal Parks to reverse any ban and it quickly achieved more than 1,000 signatories in a few hours.

The new approach to protecting the environment, along with its insects, grasses and plants, comes at a time that the authorities are under fire from pedestrians and cyclists for allowing cars to use Richmond Park's roads as a rat run.

An article in Athletics Weekly highlighted the fact that Thames Hare and Hounds, which is the oldest cross-country club in the world, was recently blocked from running an event.

Their Parkland relays each June attract all ages and abilities to take part in the event, which is made up of a series of three-mile legs.

The decision raised concerns for the popular parkrun event, which takes place over a 5km every Saturday morning, part of it on grass paths.

Writing for Athletics Weekly, Will Cockerell, said: "I very much hope that with enough push back from the community that these draconian, short-sighted, joyless sanctions will be lifted or adjusted in the coming months and years.

"Yes, the odd worm, caterpillar or Will Cockerell even butterfly will rest less easy if they do, and yes some small stretches of the hundreds of miles of pathways in the park, will look a tad more rutted for a few weeks after a busy event but, for goodness sake, look at the upside too, about how cross-country promotes human health and happiness."

The Royal Parks responded to the criticism by insisting there is no outright ban – despite its earlier statement.

A spokesperson said: "We welcome all runners to Richmond Park, we host numerous running clubs, such as parkrun and we consider all event applications.

"However, Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific interest, which is host to a rare acid grassland environment. For large events, especially during wetter weather, we assess the potential damage from mass groups of runners and spectators to ecologically sensitive areas, in order to protect valuable wildlife habitats such as ancient ant hills and off-path zones hosting declining numbers of skylarks.

"We will work with large-event applicants to discuss attendance numbers and to co-design a running route across paths and less sensitive areas of the park.

"We ask all runners to 'tread lightly' and respect the nature under their feet and we are investing heavily in improving paths and bridal paths to provide routes for everyone to use.'

The organisation said no clubs have been banned outright. It confirmed that one recent application had been turned down as it stands, but suggested there was scope to allow a smaller event across paths in less sensitive areas.

Critics have taken to Twitter to challenge the ban. Richmond Transits wrote: "Absolutely pathetic decision by @theroyalparks to ban cross country running from Richmond Park because it's an SSI (basically a nature reserve)... whilst at the same time letting rat-running drivers cause a traffic jam every single day."

Another said: "Absolutely ludicrous decision. Next it will be Parkrun and then all runners banned apart from the roads and Tamsin Trail. Makes the park completely soulless."

A petition has been set up by Robert Russell opposing the ban. He said: "Richmond Park has a long history of hosting various cross-country events.

"These races have inspired thousands of people to get into a healthy lifestyle, to enjoy the outside and to connect with our local environment.

"The benefits to physical and mental health of spending time in nature are well documented.

"At this time of climate change and biodiversity crisis, it is more important than ever that we encourage people to engage in local parks, not put up barriers to them."

Petition link - https://www.change.org/p/allow-cross-country-events-at-richmond-park?redirect=false