Garfield Weston Foundation awards £450,000 grant towards new garden in The Regent’s Park

The Royal Parks charity is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £450,000 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation to support the creation of a new, two-acre garden in The Regent’s Park. 

The garden will commemorate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, offering a tranquil and inclusive space for relaxation, exploration and reflection for the park’s millions of annual visitors. 

The Royal Parks charity, which manages London’s eight historic Royal parks, will transform a disused plant nursery into a biodiverse and climate-resilient garden for everyone to enjoy for years to come. 

The funds from the Foundation will support the construction of the new free-to-visit garden. 

Key features of the new space will include a circular pond enhancing wildlife habitats, a central promenade with an accessible platform over the pond, and a vibrant flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen, such as the specially bred Narcissus ‘Diamond Jubilee’ or Tulipa ‘Royal Celebration’.

Sustainable practices will guide the garden’s development, such as reusing steel from the former nursery greenhouses to create elements of the new pergola and a repurposed water tower.

Sir Loyd Grossman, Chair of The Royal Parks charity, said: 

"We are delighted to receive this generous grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation, which will help bring this unique garden to life.

“The garden will be a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, offering a tranquil space for reflection and connection with nature.

“It exemplifies The Royal Parks’ vision of creating a sustainable future by enhancing London’s green spaces and promoting biodiversity. The new garden will add two acres of parkland in the heart of London, creating a vibrant space for everyone to enjoy. 

“We are truly grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for helping us make this project a reality.”

Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, added: 

"The Garfield Weston Foundation is delighted to support this inspiring project, which will transform a disused space into a vibrant, accessible garden for all.

"We hope the garden will serve as a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, providing lasting benefits for future generations to enjoy."

The new garden, set to open in 2026 to coincide with the late Queen’s centenary year, will complement the existing historic gardens of The Regent’s Park and is expected to attract millions of visitors.