Other animals including wild horses and cattle are widely used as “conservation managers”, with their trampling and grazing helping wild plants to flourish and flower. Tamworth pigs have also proved extremely useful in “ploughing” wild turf with their snouts and making space for annual wildflowers to germinate at the rewilded farm of Knepp in West Sussex. It’s been great to work out here’: photographer Julia Mac (left) and personal trainer Kwesi Sam in Clissold Park Photograph: Sophia Spring/The Observer

The idea was for “rational recreation” in nature, to mitigate the health issues that came with industrialisation. But it was also a way of regulating public behaviour, says Abigail Gilmore, a lecturer in cultural policy at Manchester University who is currently writing a book on parks as cultural spaces. “There was a hope that the working classes would be encouraged into places where they could be seen and weren’t doing things that were disapproved of, such as gambling or drinking.”

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Dr Robert Aruho, head of veterinary services at MKWC, said: “The real work now begins. We must ensure that the animals released can thrive and survive in the sanctuary and, eventually, the wild. All elements of the product, from its shape and structure to the colour, have been designed and produced to represent the innovative, modern and minimalist GENEU brand identity. The soft, curved edges of the dispenser give a luxurious feel that contrasts with the sleek, metallic finish that nods to the product’s heritage in science and technology. The conservancy is working with these communities to restore degraded areas within Mount Kenya’s forests through a reforestation programme. Under the partnership, the conservancy has involved 3,000 community members in planting more than 35,000 indigenous tree species, with plans to plant another 5,000 trees this year. Smith says that the cancellation of these events because of the virus may be another factor in our deepening relationship with parks. Prior to the pandemic, he explains, people would often report that they would not bother going to their local park because they expected it to be fenced off and restricted for use as a festival venue. But with festivals not happening and cafés and other visitor attractions (until recently, at least) shut down, “We are engaging with a much more pared-down version of parks and have been surprised by how enjoyable it is.” It has been amazing,” says David Jamieson, parks manager at Edinburgh city council. “Parks have become living rooms, with people bringing chairs and sitting around. There has been real love – if that’s not too strong a word – for these public spaces and we’ve never received so many compliments and thanks for the work we do.”

Now Gujarat has said some lions will be moved out of Gir, although only to another place within the state, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. The new home will take about 40 lions and is being prepared for its new residents. However, in the wake of the pandemic, local authorities are facing even stronger budgetary issues and the worry is that parks will become ever-more commercialised, rendering these landscapes less inclusive or accessible precisely at the time we value them most. Even before the outbreak of Covid-19, parks budgets were facing brutal cuts – around 40% on average – and with decimated staff numbers, access to parks nationwide was already far from ideal. “We have a huge problem in this country with inequity of park provision, especially out of London,” says Katy Layton-Jones, a cultural historian at Leicester University. Pre-pandemic, she says, this patchy distribution may have been partially concealed by car use and bus services. Parks are not statutory services so there is no impetus for local or national governments to provide them. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has in recent years helped spruce up some parks, but funding often ends up in well-heeled areas where residents have the means to push and petition. Historians and park managers alike hope the surge in appreciation will translate into pressure for support from central government. “This is what we are trying to tell politicians,” says Rabbitts. “Parks are fab places to be, they are valuable to communities. But they don’t look after themselves.” The pristine sanctuary consists of a natural forest that provides an extensive range to continue releasing the mountain bongos in preparation for their survival in the wild. The government’s long-term vision is to achieve a population of 750 in Kenya by 2050. Ruth Angell, the ecology and conservation manager at the Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Increasing biodiversity is essential for an enriched and resilient environment which can support rare species as well as our resident herds of donkeys.It is important to us that our donkeys benefit from different types of activities and experiences. Our donkeys will be able to enjoy a walk with our grooms and benefit from one to one time while they walk over the plots.” We’ve been coming to Springfield Park for 41 years’: Alfred and Carolyn Poole with their dog, Basil