The Royal Parks charity appoints Matthew Pottage as new Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy

The Royal Parks charity, which manages London’s eight historic Royal Parks, has appointed Matthew Pottage into the new role of Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy.

In this role, Matthew will oversee the horticultural landscape across the Royal Parks. This includes management of key initiatives such as restoration projects across Richmond Park and Bushy Park, as well as the charity’s latest flagship project to create a new garden in The Regent’s Park to commemorate the life and work of Queen Elizabeth II.

Matthew brings a wealth of horticultural experience from his previous role on the senior management team for the Royal Horticultural Society, where he managed the flagship garden as Curator at Wisley.

Matthew continues in his position as Trustee of Fulham Palace where he supports the palace and gardens as a charity and a visitor attraction. He is a Gardens Committee member for the Chelsea Physic Garden, London. He is also known for his appearances as a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.

Darren Share, Director of Parks at The Royal Parks, said: 

“I’m delighted to welcome Matthew to our team of horticulture and landscape experts. 

“His knowledge, energy and creativity will deliver fresh ideas to help us in our goal to ensure excellence in all that we do, so that the parks are always at their very best for our 77 million annual visitors to enjoy, now and in the future."

Matthew Pottage added: 

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to this role. 

“I am looking forward to exploring exciting and innovative approaches to create memorable and beautiful bedding displays across these 5,000 acres of historic parkland. 

“I am passionate about delivering horticulture to the highest standards and to support a thriving biodiversity across the parks to future-proof the landscape and protect these valuable green spaces against the effects of climate change.”