About Us
Founded in 1990, the Friends of Bushy and Home Parks (FBHP) is a registered charity, No.1137203. We are dedicated to the protection, conservation, improvement, and increased appreciation of the parks. We work with The Royal Parks’ and with Historic Royal Palaces’ management teams to achieve our aims. We are composed entirely of members, many of whom are our volunteers. We have no employed or full-time staff.
We organise activities throughout the year offering members the opportunity to meet in an informal setting. Our Talks are held at Normansfield Theatre in Teddington; an impressive and relaxed venue in which we learn about such things as local history, the natural world, and insights into The Royal Parks and Historic Royal Palaces. Our guided walks around the parks are unique opportunities to learn more about the management of these extraordinary wild spaces, and to access areas usually denied to the public. There is an annual Summer Event in July which allows members to socialise and relax enjoying various entertainments including supper. Events are free of charge (except the Summer Event) and allow members to find out more about our work and to meet others who share our appreciation of these parks.
The Friends support both Bushy and Home Parks because until 1998 the two parks were managed by the Royal Parks Agency, then a government body. On 1st April 1998, the Historic Royal Palaces charity was created with responsibility for the management of Hampton Court Palace and Home Park. In March 2017 The Royal Parks was established as a charity with responsibility for eight of London’s largest open spaces, Hyde, The Green, Richmond, Greenwich, St James’s, Bushy and The Regent’s Parks, and Kensington Gardens. It also manages other important open spaces in the capital including Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Tower Gardens, Canning Green and Poet’s Corner.
Our Aims
Protecting the parks’ characters, history, heritage, wildlife, habitats, woodlands, grasslands, and gardens for future generations to enjoy.
Public Education
Promoting appreciation and awareness of the historic and environmental significance of the two parks, to enhance public enjoyment of the parks..
Fund Raising
Raising funds for projects to enhance the fabric and features of the parks, which are not part of the parks’ general maintenance programmes or capital projects.
Public Issues
Promoting free public access. Representing users of the parks, liaising with The Royal Parks and Historic Royal Palaces, advocating and campaigning to influence changes in public policy as these affect the parks. Opposing planning applications which are harmful to the parks.
Communications
A quarterly Newsletter, a website and a Facebook page. Production of publications about the parks to inform and educate visitors. An annual programme of walks and talks.
Visitor Centre
We operate the Visitor Centre at the Pheasantry on behalf of The Royal Parks.
Volunteering
To join our friendly team of volunteers, contact our volunteer coordinator, Rosemary MacColl. Email: rosemary.maccoll@fbhp.org.uk or phone: 0208 943 4814.
All our Visitor Centre volunteers receive an induction session and a uniform to wear on duty. Further training and experience is provided.
The key to being a successful Friends of Bushy and Home Parks volunteer is very simple; you just need to like other people, to love our parks and enjoy helping visitors to enjoy and respect the parks, too!
Our Constitution and Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy is available to read here: – Privacy Policy
Governance
Chair – Colin Muid
Colin Muid has been Chair since March 2016.
President – Pieter Morpurgo
Pieter Morpurgo was Chairman from 2007 to 2012. Pieter undertakes the scrutiny of planning applications affecting the parks.
Vice Chair – Barry Purdon
Barry Purdon is Vice Chair, the Appeals Coordinator, represents the Friends on the Safer Parks Panel, and is the Friends’ safeguarding officer.
Treasurer – Adrian Heywood
Adrian Heywood ensures funds and accounts are properly controlled and arranges for their inspection to meet Charity Commission requirements.
Secretary – Fred Squire
Fred Squire ensures that the Friends’ operations are in accordance with its’ constitution and Charity Commission rules.
Minutes Secretary – Iris Hawkes
Iris Hawkes records Friends’ formal meetings.
Volunteer Coordinator – Rosemary MacColl
Rosemary MacColl manages the Volunteers who operate the Visitor Centre.
Visitor Centre Manager – Sue Robertson
Sue Robertson manages the contents of the Visitor Centre including publications, displays, and commercial activities.
Trustee – David Ivison
David Ivison is joint editor of the quarterly newsletter.
Trustee Claire Ivison
Claire Ivison is joint editor and distribution manager for the quarterly Newsletter.
Trustee – Annie Murray
Annie Murray was Chair, from 2012 to 2016, and Vice-Chair in 2017.
Membership Secretary – Pat Dickinson
Pat Dickinson is not a Trustee but is a member of the management committee.
