The Royal Parks Guild
A voluntary partner organisation supporting London's Royal Parks and the wider Guild family
Welcome
The Royal Parks Guild's aim is an important one - championing London's Royal Parks and those places previously managed by the Royal Parks - by promoting their qualities, including horticultural excellence and historical significance. We provide practical support where appropriate.
Allied to this is the service to our members through a social network of events, activities and communications.
Background
The Royal Parks Guild evolved from the discussions of a group of people who remembered, with great affection, their time spent working within, or being associated with, some of the world’s most famous and historic urban parks, i.e. The Royal Parks of London and decided they wanted to devise a way of creating a network and thus, The Royal Parks Guild was launched in 2006 at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show with Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL VMH as our Patron.
From the beginning, members wanted to be part of a network to be kept informed of news about the Royal Parks, former colleagues and others associated with these iconic green spaces. They all had one thing in common – a desire to assist in keeping these centuries old parks at the forefront of horticultural and cultural excellence - continuing to be a part of the life of these special and much-loved places.
For some this would take the form of becoming a volunteer, maybe to help with the work of the Guild, or assist those caring for the Royal Parks, e.g. by becoming a volunteer expert, a ‘Park Champion’, or perhaps, supporting apprentices through helping at the Guild’s apprentice/trainee ‘Discovery Days’ or contributing to post apprenticeship mentoring/training.
Some have taken on the role of researching and recording the history and heritage of the parks, some giving talks, taking part in online events or contributing to the monthly news updates. Others simply wanted to keep in touch through social events (visits to places of interest), with the opportunity to meet other members of the Guild and parks staff. Very early on a newsletter was started, which has now become an online e-bulletin and continues to be sent to members by email or in some cases by post.
We are proud to have instigated and now organise Guild Awards to recognise achievement, dedication, contributions, long service, across the Royal Parks family, including apprentice's success and commitment.
As the Guild developed it soon became apparent that there was an interest in connecting with places that were once Royal Parks, for example, Phoenix Park in Dublin. Also, places that had previously been managed by the Royal Parks such as the gardens and grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. With this in mind links are now being established with these places to share historical knowledge, horticultural expertise and common interests.
Becoming a Member
Maybe you are connected with the Royal Parks in some way, past or present, for example:
Member of the parks’ staff?
Volunteer?
Concessionaire or contractor working within the parks?
Apprentice/trainee?
Consultant for the parks?
Royal Parks Constabulary or Metropolitan Police based in the park?
Or, perhaps you are, or have been, associated with the Royal Parks in another role or simply want to be a supporter.
If so, why not join the Royal Parks Guild and help us in supporting London’s most well known and iconic green spaces whilst participating in the Guild’s activities and events. (Follow the link by pressing the 'Join Us' button below).