What is the new approach to park maintenance in London's Royal Parks?

The parks are shifting from outsourced maintenance to an in-house expertise model, with head gardeners being reinstated.

What are the key goals for the Royal Parks' revitalization?

The goals include creating a 'wow factor', embracing diverse plantings, enhancing visitor delight, and restoring park features.

Home / Environment / Royal Parks Get a Makeover: Horticulture is Back!

Royal Parks Get a Makeover: Horticulture is Back!

Q: Who is leading the transformation of London's Royal Parks?

Matthew Pottage, the first head of horticulture and landscape strategy for the Royal Parks, is leading the transformation.

17 Apr

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Summary

New horticulture chief Matthew Pottage to transform London's Royal Parks.
Parks shifting from outsourced maintenance to in-house expertise.
Focus on diverse plantings, 'wow factor,' and visitor delight.

Royal Parks Get a Makeover: Horticulture is Back!

Matthew Pottage, appointed as the first-ever head of horticulture and landscape strategy for the Royal Parks in June 2024, is embarking on a ten-year plan to transform London's celebrated green spaces. This ambitious role encompasses parks such as Hyde Park, St James's Park, and Greenwich Park.

Pottage's strategy involves bringing horticulture back to the forefront, moving away from the previous model of outsourcing maintenance. Since 2022, head gardeners have been reinstated, with a view to extending this in-house approach to further parks to enhance quality and commitment.