The Royal Parks charity – where life flourishes
We are the charity that cares for the most famous collection of urban parks in the world.
Who we are
The Royal Parks charity manages, protects and enhances 5,000 acres of historic London parkland across eight world-class parks and other green spaces, ensuring they remain free, beautiful and accessible for everyone, now and in the future. Our expert staff works to conserve wildlife, preserve historic landmarks and maintain the landscapes for the public’s wellbeing.
What we do
As a charity that looks after so much open space in London, our work is incredibly diverse. Below is a small example of the work we do.
Each year, we:
Welcome tens of millions of visitors
Care for the parks’ 170,000 trees and planting for the future
Create diverse habitats for over 7,000 unique species of wildlife
Connect thousands of secondary students to green careers
Ensure over 1,000 female footballers have access to our hybrid pitch
Host around 30 major events, from ceremonials to major concerts
Preserve 197 listed buildings, statues and monuments
Havens for people and wildlife
The Royal Parks are havens in a busy city so we set ourselves the highest standards to make sure we protect and maintain them responsibly, respectfully and sustainably.
Each of the eight Royal Parks and other exceptional public spaces we look after including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens, are unique landscapes and wildlife habitats. Our role is to protect and preserve these parklands while welcoming millions of visitors a year.
A message from our CEO
The Royal Parks are here for everyone, every day, forever. We’re incredibly proud to be the charity entrusted to look after these treasured spaces and we look forward to welcoming you to the parks, whether it’s for a picnic with family, an event with friends or just a peaceful walk through these incredible natural landscapes.
Andrew Scattergood CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks
How we do it
It costs around £75m a year to manage the parks. The charity raises around 85 percent of its income independently with the remaining 15 percent funded by Government.
We are supported by hundreds of volunteers and supporters who give their free time, donate, or take part directly in challenge events to raise funds that support our work. This helps us care for the parks day to day and carry out vital conservation projects. Our many Friends groups and partners play a key role too.
Thank you – we couldn’t do it without you.
Our Charitable Objects
- To protect, conserve, maintain and care for the Royal Parks, including their natural and designed landscapes and built environment, to a high standard consistent with their historic, horticultural, environmental and architectural importance;
- To promote the use and enjoyment of the Royal Parks for public recreation, health and well-being including through the provision of sporting and cultural activities and events which effectively advance the objects;
- To maintain and develop the biodiversity of the Royal Parks, including the protection of their wildlife and natural environment, together with promoting sustainability in the management and use of the Royal Parks;
- To support the advancement of education by promoting public understanding of the history, culture, heritage and natural environment of the Royal Parks and (by way of comparison) elsewhere;
- To promote national heritage including by hosting and facilitating ceremonies of state or of national importance within and in the vicinity of the Royal Parks.
Sustainability
As we look to the future, we understand the importance of creating climate-resilient parks for future generations. With 5,000 acres of parkland in London in our care, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we’re supporting the capital city as we work to address the impacts of climate change.
Our Impact
From conservation to volunteering, learning programmes to sports and leisure, major events to capital projects; the breadth of the charity’s impact is enormous. Learn more about what we achieved in 2024-2025.
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Bushy Park -
Greenwich Park -
Bushy Park -
Kensington Gardens -
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Kensington Gardens
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History of the Royal Parks
A brief history of the Royal Parks, from King Henry VIII to the present day
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The leadership team
Details of The Royal Parks board and senior management team
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Friends, the Guild and partners
Information about the Friends of the parks, The Royal Parks Guild and other organisations that support our work and how you can get involved
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Sustainability
Our proactive approach to sustainably managing London's Royal Parks
