London Parks and Gardens has announced that its new Director Philip Barnes will lead delivery of London Parks & Gardens’ ambitious strategy to 2035.
London Parks and Gardens writes:
In welcoming Philip Barnes as permanent director, the Trustees paid warm tribute to Tim Webb who has served the charity with dedication in the interim. The board is delighted Tim will remain active in supporting our mission, ensuring London’s green spaces are protected at a time when parks are under greater threat than ever before. Philip Barnes brings a passion for parks and gardens with a wealth of relevant experience to this challenging remit.
During 15 years with the National Trust, he led complex heritage sites of national significance, including growing access to the iconic Sissinghurst Castle and garden to 200,000 visits per year, introducing new features while protecting the historic integrity of this internationally famous site. Philip also oversaw many of London’s significant historic gardens, such as Fenton House, Ham House and Osterley Park and led for the Trust on their sensitive planning matters.
He has successfully engaged donors, initiated new avenues for support, and led high-performing teams of 100+ staff and up to 500 volunteers. LPG’s Trustees were impressed by his strong understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing London’s green spaces – from planning, access, heritage protection, limited resources and engaging the public. The board is also delighted that, having successfully engaged national partners at Sissinghurst, Philip brings a network across the historic horticulture and tourism sectors which can further LPG’s reach and impact in the world’s greatest green city.
Philip Barnes said: ‘I am delighted to be joining London Parks & Gardens. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the power of green spaces to enrich our lives. They provide vital habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity, improve health and wellbeing, and offer places for reflection, connection and discovery. As our cities continue to grow and evolve, protecting and championing these spaces is more important than ever. Alongside my work in conservation, I am also a garden designer, and I am passionate about the creative potential of landscapes to inspire, connect people with nature and respond to the environmental challenges of our time. The Trust’s mission brings together many of the values that have guided my career, and I look forward to working with colleagues, volunteers, partners and supporters to ensure that London’s parks and gardens continue to flourish for generations to come.’
London Parks & Gardens Co-Chair Nathan Oley said: ‘We’re thrilled that Philip will help LPG to serve the public’s increasing love for greenspaces as indispensable ‘lungs for London’. His clear passion and prior experience make him a tremendous fit for London Parks and Gardens, and we all look forward to seeing parks better protected and gardens enjoyed more as a result! The board is hugely grateful for Tim Webb’s hard work and dedication as Interim Director. His invaluable achievements, including building the LPG team, a new strategy and website, are essential foundations which will flourish long into the future. We are delighted that he will stay engaged with LPG’s important mission’.
Tim Webb has overseen the delivery of two successful London Open Garden fundraisers, growing income year on year, securing sponsorship for 2026 and launched the charity’s ten-year growth strategy. He commented: ‘It’s been a busy but unforgettable two years. I stepped into the role from the board at a challenging time, providing stability and continuity, and built on those foundations to create a high-performing, happy team I’ll miss enormously. I’m deeply proud of the Duck Island Cottage staff and our volunteers. A recent highlight for me has been seeing their commitment recognised through The Gardens Trust National Volunteering Awards. Working collectively we’ve created a powerful team incorporating research, events and our core planning work to protect London’s parks and gardens. It was an honour for me earlier this year to represent the capital’s conservation and community sectors at the Greater London Assembly’s Environment Committee, advocating practical steps to make Londoners’ lives healthier and happier through our shared heritage landscapes. My message there, and now, is simple: love – don’t lose – your parks and gardens!’
