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.