Greenwich Park receives National Lottery millions to protect World Heritage Site

The Royal Parks charity, which manages Greenwich Park, has secured a ‘transformational’ £4.5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund for its ‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ project. 

Made possible by National Lottery players, it will help to protect and future-proof the incomparable heritage site, which is eroding under the pressure of a growing population.

The Royal Parks and other funding partners will also contribute to this project, equating to total investment of £10.5 million.

World Heritage site, 590-year old Greenwich Park receives around five million visitors a year. But the local population is set to increase by around 17 per cent by 2026, and footfall to the park is predicted to soar. There are currently 69 tall buildings in the planning pipeline for Greenwich, suggesting that much of the new housing will only have limited access to green space, making the park even more of a crucial asset in the heart of the city.

The park covers 183 acres and was enclosed in 1433, making it the oldest enclosed Royal park. It boasts a rich history, including being the site of a Roman temple dating back to the 1st Century (AD43-410) and an ancient Anglo-Saxon cemetery dating from the 6th-7th century. The Grade1-listed landscape is a unique mix of stunning gardens, historic buildings and monuments, and is a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation with an abundant array of wildlife.

However, there are several challenges currently facing the park, including the increase in visitor footfall which is dramatically eroding the landscape. This is particularly true of the area around the famous General Wolfe statue next to the Royal Observatory, a popular spot for selfie-takers due to the magnificent views sweeping across The Thames and the Prime Meridian line. The park also faces new tree pests and diseases which are damaging the historic tree avenues, and inadequate public facilities need urgent attention.

‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ will cater for a growing and diverse local population and will future-proof the ancient park for generations to come. It will:

• Return the park’s eroded historic landscape to its 17th century glory. This includes reinstating The Grand Ascent and parterre banks which frame the dramatic view from the Queens House, and replanting diseased and dying sections of the magnificent historic tree avenues, recreating the original Baroque designs created for Charles II.
• Build a state-of the art, eco-friendly Learning Centre in an underused service yard, generating completely new green space for public use, overlooking the historic deer park. The Learning Centre will provide a new community hub, offering learning and wellbeing experiences through training, learning, volunteering, events and activities, with paid horticulture pre-apprenticeships and work experience for local students. It will incorporate a new café, inclusive public toilets, a meeting place and an information point for park users.
• Provide better access across the park for people with disabilities, including investment in a mobility scheme to help people visit different areas of the park.
• Enhance the park for wildlife by improving the Old Wilderness with better views of the deer and a new wildlife pond, and by planting scrub for nesting birds and conserving wild grasslands.
• Enhance the Flower Garden with wildlife-friendly planting in keeping with its formal, Edwardian design, improving the lake and adding natural play features for children.
• Improve sustainability through increased recycling, reconnecting historic fountains with drinking water to discourage bottled water use, and using ground water to irrigate trees and improve water quality in the lakes.
• Create new interpretation to unveil the dramatic story of London's most historic park.
   

Andrew Scattergood, Chief Executive, The Royal Parks, said: 

"From a cluster of ancient 6th century tombs to the most spectacular Baroque landscape, Greenwich Park is a living museum rooted on the shores of maritime legend. But centuries of footfall have taken a toll and without urgently-needed restoration, the park would become irreparably eroded and we would lose a gem in our nation's heritage.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we will now embark on the biggest project in The Royal Parks’ history. ‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ will protect, enhance and uncover the hidden jewels of this iconic World Heritage Site, future-proofing this ancient park for the millions of local, national and international visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

Stuart McLeod, Director London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 

“Parks are an incredibly important part of people’s lives in so many ways – from wellbeing and space to connect with others to opportunities to connect to nature. A magnificent World Heritage Site, Greenwich Park is steeped in rich heritage and now, thanks to National Lottery players, it is set for a bright future with nature and communities at its heart.”

Graham Dear, Park Manager, Greenwich Park, said: 

“Greenwich Park’s incredible history and stunning natural environment is right on the doorstep for millions of visitors. The much-loved park provides a tranquil green oasis where people can relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of densely-populated South East London and delve into the park’s rich history.

“We’re putting the community at the heart to deliver more arts and cultural events, build a new learning centre, and a new café, and uncover the park’s incredible stories, ensuring this park is truly for the people.”