Hi Andy,

We're always looking for ways to care for nature and that includes tackling climate change. From how we grow plants and protect wildlife, sustainability is woven into our everyday work.

This month, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes to share some of the green projects we’ve been working on, plus a few changes you might spot on your next visit.

Our biodiversity team, in partnership with London Wildlife Trust and Greengage Environmental, undertook a study to look at the carbon levels in soil across our grasslands. They wanted to see whether areas that host a wider variety of plants have healthier soils and store more carbon. While the results are preliminary, it seems that areas with greater plant diversity and longer roots have healthier soil which stores more carbon.

The study was funded through Help Nature Thrive, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and just won CIEEM’s Climate and Nature Action 2030 Award!

Inspired by the results, we’ve planted the equivalent of five football fields (26,000m²) of wildflower meadows across the parks this past year alone, boosting biodiversity and helping to fight climate change.

From rubble to renewal

A beautiful new garden is being created in The Regent’s Park in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and is set to open in spring 2026. It will also be home to an exciting sustainability trial. Instead of importing new materials, our horticultural team has recycled concrete from the site’s old glasshouses, crushing and mixing it with soil to create an innovative, eco-friendly growing space.

The results are starting to show. This spring, hardy, pollinator-friendly plants planted last autumn are thriving in the new blend.

The goal is to develop a sustainable, climate-resilient planting scheme that can withstand extreme weather and shifting conditions. What we learn here could help shape greener, more adaptable gardens for the future.

Striding for sustainability

Since its inception in 2008, the ethos of our flagship fundraising event has always been sustainability. Every year, we work to further reduce the impact of the Royal Parks Half on the environment.

In 2019, we removed plastic bottles from the course, for good. In 2024, we introduced our finisher's t-shirt opt-out initiative, which has led to 24,000 snowdrop bulbs being planted across The Green Park. And this year, we're again leading the industry by reducing travel associated carbon emissions by creating a specific ballot for residents outside the UK.

What’s new in your parks

Shire horses return to Richmond Park

The Richmond Park team, in partnership with Operation Centaur, is trialling the use of shire horses to move timber in wildlife-sensitive areas. These gentle giants offer a low-impact alternative to heavy machinery, helping to protect delicate habitats like acid grasslands by reducing soil compaction.

Primrose Hill Café goes vegetarian

Following a recent refurbishment, Primrose Hill Café reopened in April as a vegetarian café. Its fully plant-based menu supports more sustainable food choices and is perfect for diners enjoying one of London’s most celebrated views.

Electrifying our vehicle fleet

We’re continuing to switch to a fully electric vehicle fleet across the parks as suitable alternatives become available. Moving away from diesel helps lower our carbon footprint and improves local air quality. Plus, by charging our fleet with clean energy, we’re reducing emissions across our wider supply chain.

Greener growing at Hyde Park Nursery

Over the colder months, Hyde Park Plant Nursery lowered the heating in its glasshouses. While this slows plant growth, it significantly reduced energy use and improved plant quality. We’re also using longer-lasting trays to cut down on plastic waste and have successfully recycled a backlog of damaged pots and trays that would have otherwise gone to landfill.

The Royal Parks is a registered charity (No. 1172042) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales no. 10016100 (VAT No. 261 4640 19)