Graham Dear, Greenwich Park’s Manager, to retire after 13 years

After 13 years at The Royal Parks, Graham will retire in April 2023.

Graham has been an inspirational Park Manager who, with the support of his team, has delivered significant improvements to the landscape quality and visitor experience in Greenwich Park.

Graham’s drive and passion for the park has led to the inception, development and ongoing delivery of Greenwich Park Revealed - a multi-million pound, 4-year restoration project. This flagship project is restoring the park’s 17th century landscape, enhancing it to boost biodiversity, as well as creating opportunities for the local community through free cultural events, and learning, volunteering and training opportunities.

This project will create new public park space by opening up a commercial yard and creating community facilities such as a new café, toilets and a volunteering base. It will also create a new learning space for local schools and community groups to use, to learn about and discover the natural environment.

Graham has been instrumental in driving this project forward and securing millions in funding from the National Lottery Heritage and Community Funds.

Graham and his team were also heavily involved in hosting the riding portion of the Modern Pentathlon, as well as all the Equestrian events - Dressage, Jumping and Eventing - during the 2012 Summer Olympics.

During this time, Greenwich Park saw the construction of a temporary equestrian course, designed for the cross-country element of the Eventing competition. A temporary main arena was also built, in front of the Queen's House within the grounds of the National Maritime Museum.

Graham led his team in the successful delivery of the global event and the park’s reinstatement, showcasing Greenwich Park as a spectacular historical natural backdrop to millions across the world.

Graham said: 

“Greenwich Park means so much to so many people and it has been my honour to run the Park with my excellent colleagues and volunteers for the last 13 years. I’ll miss the park immensely but intend to stay in touch as a member of the ‘Friends of Greenwich Park’.”

Tom Jarvis, Director of Parks, The Royal Parks, said: 

“Graham has been an inspirational Park Manager for Greenwich Park over the last 13 years. He has consistently championed the needs of the park and has worked tirelessly to see Greenwich Park secure the investment required to futureproof it for generations to come.

“The Greenwich Park Revealed project is the culmination of this work and is very much his legacy for the park.

“Graham will be hugely missed by myself and all of us at The Royal Parks, and by the many visitors he has welcomed over the years. We wish him the very best of luck in his retirement.”