Park Manager

I began my career in horticulture in 1960 with Plymouth City Corporation where I was an apprentice for five years. I then went into Horticulture College, to continue my training. During this time I also attended a series of formal management training programmes. Since then I have worked both in the private sector and local government where, through a series of transitions, I ended up as Chief Leisure Officer in a London Borough. This role included responsibility for parks and cemeteries along with a wide range of leisure facilities - including libraries! I then freelanced in order to get back into landscape and horticulture.

I joined The Royal Parks in 1996 as Park Manager responsible for the oldest of The Royal Parks, Greenwich. Managing a Royal Park that sits within the Greenwich World Heritage Site presents many challenges, including large events like the London Marathon and in 2012 the Olympic Equestrian events.

I see my role as partly ambassadorial, dealing with the local authorities in the area and partly to ensure that each of our visitors gets the very best from their time in the park. I work very closely with our partners in Maritime Greenwich including the Museum. I need to ensure that the park is operated efficiently and safely to meet the obligations of our visitors and our funders - the taxpayer. I have to have one of the best jobs in London! I really enjoy the variety it offers, each day presents a new challenge.

In 2005 Greenwich Park was awarded prestigious Green Flag Status. Green Flag is a national scheme that recognises parks of outstanding quality. We're a small team at Greenwich and we're very proud of this award.