40 Years of Dedication: A journey from a park keeper

When you walk through Central Park today, surrounded by vibrant pollinator gardens and towering trees, it’s easy to forget that these spaces didn’t always look this way. Behind the scenes, a team of people have been part of shaping these landscapes for decades—quietly, passionately, and with a deep sense of purpose.

We sat down with one of these people, David Tebby, the Chargehand Gardener for Central Park, to find a unique perspective on the changes, challenges and joys of being a park keeper over a 40-year career.

Starting the journey
It all began in 1984 when an opportunity arose to move into the world of parks. Starting in the open spaces of Chelmsford cemetery, before a brief move to Galleywood Common where the parks main depot used to be located, David Tebby arrived in Central Park in 1986, as part of a career that has become a lifelong calling.

The beauty of seasons
Asked about his favourite season, and the answer is simple: spring. “It brings new life—buds, blossoms—it feels clean,” he says. Autumn, though beautiful, brings challenges to the team with lots of wet leaves to be cleared, but David notes even the fallen leaves have purpose as compost for future growth. Winter, with its crisp winter mornings hold their charm, but nothing beats spring.

Transformations over time
The parks have evolved dramatically since the 1980s when David first began. More recently Bell Meadow Park’s transformation in 2018 stands out, but the biggest shift has been in planting for pollinators. “When I started, supporting bees and insects were not a priority. Now, it’s central to what we do—and there’s still more to learn.” Some of the plants and trees we planted 40 years ago would struggle to become established now, with the drier warmer summers. We now plant in a more mindful way, for the bees, to cope with climate changes and raise awareness around support for pollinators.”

Pride in people and nature
After nearly 40 years, David says there’s now also satisfaction in seeing the mature trees that were planted decades ago, some now standing over 30 meters tall, as a living testament to time and care. The image above shows a Common Lime (Tila x europaea) planted as part of the retirement of, the then parks supervisor at the Waterhouse Lane depot, David is the one directly to the left of the tree in wellies, and below the same tree as it is today. You can see David talking about this magnificent tree in the clip at the end of this page.

What brings the most pride? David says it’s not just the flourishing gardens, but the growth of people. “I struggled in school, so I understand how some young people feel. I’ve now trained over 30 students, and all have found a job in horticulture. With patience and support, you can see their confidence bloom. It’s a team effort—and it’s rewarding.”

A life well spent outdoors
When asked if there is anything else he likes about his role, David says “It keeps me fit, and I must like it—I’ve been here 40 years!”.

Advice for the next generation
For those considering a career in parks, David’s advice is clear: start with volunteering. Get hands-on experience, explore different roles, and consider a horticultural course or apprenticeship.

Common lime

For last years national tree week we talked to David on the very tree he planted 40 years ago, watch below as he talks about the Common Lime.

If your interested in joining us as a volunteer for conservation or gardening you can find out more here