Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is almost six centuries old and has global renown as the site of the Royal Greenwich Observatory – the location of the Prime Meridian, which revolutionised navigation by being established as a global reference point for all longitudes in 1884 – as well as being an instantly recognisable part of London. This iconic landscape is Grade I listed, and is part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The £8m Greenwich Park Revealed project, which began in 2021 and completed in 2024, aimed to conserve and restore the Park’s unique heritage while enhancing its biodiversity and visitor appeal, protecting it for future generations. Works included adjustments that ensure accessibility, but most significantly the 17th century landscape designs have been meticulously reinstated, including the restoration of The Grand Ascent grass terraces and the redefining of the slumped banking which frames the view from The Queen’s House, and the replanting of the tree avenues, following the removal of the damaged and diseased 1970s-planted specimens.
Revitalising iconic tree-lined avenues
This is where GreenBlue Urban’s expertise came in; the health and aesthetics of the trees within the greenscape were considered of utmost importance, since they are a key original feature of the 17th century parkland design.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Greenwich Park is almost six centuries old and has global renown as the site of the Royal Greenwich Observatory – the location of the Prime Meridian, which revolutionised navigation by being established as a global reference point for all longitudes in 1884 – as well as being an instantly recognisable part of London. This iconic landscape is Grade I listed, and is part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The £8m Greenwich Park Revealed project, which began in 2021 and completed in 2024, aimed to conserve and restore the Park’s unique heritage while enhancing its biodiversity and visitor appeal, protecting it for future generations. Works included adjustments that ensure accessibility, but most significantly the 17th century landscape designs have been meticulously reinstated, including the restoration of The Grand Ascent grass terraces and the redefining of the slumped banking which frames the view from The Queen’s House, and the replanting of the tree avenues, following the removal of the damaged and diseased 1970s-planted specimens.
Revitalising iconic tree-lined avenues
This is where GreenBlue Urban’s expertise came in; the health and aesthetics of the trees within the greenscape were considered of utmost importance, since they are a key original feature of the 17th century parkland design.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Best-practice planting methodologies were employed to encourage the longevity of the 12 new lime trees that were planted around the Grade II listed statue of Major-General James Wolfe (a pivotal military figure who unified Canada and the American colonies under British rule in the 18th century). A roomy 40 cubic metres of rootspace was allocated to each to ensure health and vigour, with the trees strategically planted to frame and enhance the setting of the statue, restoring the grandeur of the park’s historic tree avenues.
Creating the optimal conditions for growth
Our ArborSystem Root Management products were specified to create the best possible conditions for encouraging vigorous growth:
- RootSpace G2 600 for optimal soil conditions.
- Root Barrier RER1000 to protect the surrounding hardscapes.
- ArborVent 150 for effective aeration and watering.
- Root Director to guide roots safely and prevent upward disruption.
- Underground guying for unobtrusive rootball stability.
- Arboresin grilles to prevent compaction while improving aesthetics.
- Ullswater tree guard to protect the young tree from damage.
The installation was undertaken by contractor Blakedown Landscapes, appointed to deliver the £1.7m LWP – Set C portion of the Greenwich Park Revealed project, working in partnership with the GreenBlue Urban team, who were on site to offer support in optimising the tree pit placing to ensure the most aesthetic outcome, coupled with the best chance of vitality and strength for the new specimens.
Best-practice planting methodologies were employed to encourage the longevity of the 12 new lime trees that were planted around the Grade II listed statue of Major-General James Wolfe (a pivotal military figure who unified Canada and the American colonies under British rule in the 18th century). A roomy 40 cubic metres of rootspace was allocated to each to ensure health and vigour, with the trees strategically planted to frame and enhance the setting of the statue, restoring the grandeur of the park’s historic tree avenues.
Creating the optimal conditions for growth
Our ArborSystem Root Management products were specified to create the best possible conditions for encouraging vigorous growth:
- RootSpace G2 600 for optimal soil conditions.
- Root Barrier RER1000 to protect the surrounding hardscapes.
- ArborVent 150 for effective aeration and watering.
- Root Director to guide roots safely and prevent upward disruption.
- Underground guying for unobtrusive rootball stability.
- Arboresin grilles to prevent compaction while improving aesthetics.
- Ullswater tree guard to protect the young tree from damage.
The installation was undertaken by contractor Blakedown Landscapes, appointed to deliver the £1.7m LWP – Set C portion of the Greenwich Park Revealed project, working in partnership with the GreenBlue Urban team, who were on site to offer support in optimising the tree pit placing to ensure the most aesthetic outcome, coupled with the best chance of vitality and strength for the new specimens.
Restoring the Park for future generations
The newly planted lime trees have restored the historic avenue, providing shade, biodiversity benefits and a picturesque frame for the General Wolfe statue. The leafy treelined avenues can now be enjoyed by many generations to come, contributing to Greenwich Park’s visual appeal, and enriching the visitor experience.
Restoring the Park for future generations
The newly planted lime trees have restored the historic avenue, providing shade, biodiversity benefits and a picturesque frame for the General Wolfe statue. The leafy treelined avenues can now be enjoyed by many generations to come, contributing to Greenwich Park’s visual appeal, and enriching the visitor experience.
