A view of the grand ascent in Greenwich Park on a sunny day with the Royal Observatory in the background.

The Royal Parks celebrates completion of Greenwich Park restoration project

The Royal Parks charity marks the culmination of Greenwich Park Revealed, a major, project spanning several years that has restored the park's unique 17th-century landscape, created new learning and volunteering spaces, hosted more free events and community activities, and enhanced biodiversity. 

The charity, which manages London's eight Royal Parks, has funded the £12 million project alongside a grant from the ‘Parks for People’ programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Community Fund, thanks to National Lottery players*.

Previously at risk of being lost forever, the charity has restored Greenwich Park's 17th-century landscape to its former glory, re-establishing the 'Grand Ascent' - giant grass terraces created in the 1660s, that had almost disappeared due to heavy erosion. The declining tree avenues have been re-planted, and the slumped ‘parterre’ banks framing the Queen's Field have been re-instated.

This dramatic history is played out for visitors through new information boards. Over the coming year, these will be accompanied by a new interactive app and a set of audio guides, providing an insight into the park's heritage, nature and wildlife.

  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Orchard in Greenwich Park.
  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Roman Temple site in Greenwich Park.
  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Rose Garden in Greenwich Park.
  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Orchard in Greenwich Park.
  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Roman Temple site in Greenwich Park.
  • A birds eye view fo a new information board about the Rose Garden in Greenwich Park.

The charity has planted thousands of shrubs, trees, and pollinator-friendly flowers to create new meadows and boost biodiversity. The Flower Garden Lake has benefited from wildlife-friendly planting schemes that complement its formal Edwardian design.

Rare acid grassland habitats have flourished thanks to new mowing regimes that support mining bees, digger wasps, butterflies, insect-eating birds, and plants such as fine-leaved grasses, lichens, and gorse. 

The project has futureproofed Greenwich Park to provide better facilities for visitors. The improved viewing platform at the General Wolfe statue viewpoint has transformed this once-congested area into a larger, more accessible piazza-style public space to host community cultural events. 

  • A view of the new piazza by the General Wolfe statue. The statue is on the right and a Royal Parks gazebo on the left, people walk and sit on the square in the sunshine.
  • A view of the new wooden seating at One Tree Hill
  • A view from the General Wofle statue looking down toward the Queen's House. White clouds pepper a blue sky and people stand with their back to the camera as they look down at the view
  • A view of the new piazza by the General Wolfe statue. The statue is on the right and a Royal Parks gazebo on the left, people walk and sit on the square in the sunshine.
  • A view of the new wooden seating at One Tree Hill
  • A view from the General Wofle statue looking down toward the Queen's House. White clouds pepper a blue sky and people stand with their back to the camera as they look down at the view

A new, sustainably built Learning Centre for outdoor education provides a safe and inspiring space for schools and community groups to discover the natural environment with nature trails, a dipping pond and a wildlife meadow. 

The project has transformed part of a commercial contractors’ yard into a beautiful, landscaped public zone. This includes repurposing an existing lodge into the new Ignatius Sancho Café, named in honour of the remarkable writer, composer and abolitionist who lived in Greenwich. The area includes accessible toilets including a Changing Places facility, a volunteer hub, and a community kitchen garden.

The project has delivered free community events, including tai chi and tango classes, archaeology digs, live music, and a youth festival. In addition, the project has created training and volunteering opportunities and has introduced a free mobility buggy service to improve accessibility. 

This year's events programme culminates in a ‘Showcase’ celebrating the project's achievements from12 to24 August, and a ‘Finale Family Festival’ from 23 to 24 August, which includes a project exhibition, archaeology finds ‘processing’ and pond dipping.

  • A view of the new Greenwich Park Learning Centre with a Royal Parks gazebo set up to the right of it.
  • Greenwich Park Learning Centre
  • The wooden entrance way to the new Greenwich Park Learning Centre
  • A view of the new Greenwich Park Learning Centre with a Royal Parks gazebo set up to the right of it.
  • Greenwich Park Learning Centre
  • The wooden entrance way to the new Greenwich Park Learning Centre

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

"Greenwich Park Revealed has been years in the making, from the seed of an idea over twenty years ago to the realisation of this vision in 2024. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage and Community Fund, The Royal Parks charity has been able to accomplish the biggest project in its history and provide a better experience for all visitors. 

"The futureproofing ensures generations to come will enjoy exploring the enhanced natural landscape and discovering the fascinating history of Greenwich Park. This project's legacy will continue to impact communities and biodiversity positively."

Clare Lanes, Park Manager, Greenwich Park, said: 

"It's wonderful to welcome everyone back to these much-loved and much-improved spaces in Greenwich Park. The park is a space where nature, people, and heritage meet, and through this significant project, we've been able to protect the landscape for centuries to come.

"We have one of the best views in London, and now everyone will be able to enjoy it in a more accessible way. We hope everyone will enjoy visiting, whether for a walk, a coffee, or to uncover the fascinating stories of the park."

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

“At the Heritage Fund, we believe that everyone should be able to access, connect with and enjoy nature on their doorstep – whether they are in urban areas or the countryside. We are very proud to have supported the Greenwich Park Revealed project which has greatly enhanced and opened-up this Grade I-listed landscape.

“The restoration of the 17th-century features such as the Grand Ascent and tree-lined avenues, has been complemented with enriched habitats across the park, and increased access to nature-based learning and volunteering for the local community. Thanks to National Lottery players this much-loved parkland will be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for generations to come.”

* Additional grants from several trusts and foundations supported the building of the Learning Centre.  

  • Aerial photograph of the community archaeological dig at the Roman temple site, 2024
  • A view of the seating and kitchen garden outside of the Ignatius Sancho Cafe in Greenwich Park
  • A view of the grand ascent in Greenwich Park on a sunny day with the Royal Observatory in the background.
  • Aerial photograph of the community archaeological dig at the Roman temple site, 2024
  • A view of the seating and kitchen garden outside of the Ignatius Sancho Cafe in Greenwich Park
  • A view of the grand ascent in Greenwich Park on a sunny day with the Royal Observatory in the background.

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