A Park Manager who looks after Bushy Park is set to retire after dedicating 38 years of his life to Richmond's open green parks and spaces.

Ray Brodie has been dubbed as Bushy Park's 'Ray of Sunshine' because of his warm natured spirit.

When asked about his favourite pass-time in Bushy Park Mr Brodie said: " My fondest memory of working in the park has been with all the great people I have had the pleasure to work with.

"These include the Friends of the Park and their efforts in supporting me and my team in what we do.

"Companion Cycling and the Horse Rangers Association with the work they do to help those with special needs to enjoy the park environment.

"My team of people both staff and volunteers who work tirelessly in managing the park and keeping the Woodland Gardens and the wider park tidy."

Mr Brodie joined The Royal Parks as a Horticultural Apprentice in 1981 when he finished secondary school

In 1985 he joined The Royal Parks Tree Maintenance Team and spent five years looking after the trees across the central Royal Parks which include St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and, Buckingham Palace Gardens.

Mr Brodie added: "I have witnessed changes for the better which were part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Project for Bushy Park which included improving access for all around Bushy Park, the restoration of the fantastic 18th Century Baroque Water Gardens near Upper Lodge, seeing the Diana Fountain re-gilded and a new café in the centre of the park.

"I also permitted the first park run which has turned into a global phenomenon, if it helps people get some exercise and stay fit then it has to be good."

In 1992, Mr Brodie was appointed as the Park Supervisor at Kensington Gardens and was responsible for events of national importance like managing the park during the funeral processions for Her Royal Highness Diana Princess of Wales.

Mr Brodie became the official manager for Bushy Park in 1998, and has led his team for two decades.

Mr Brodie added: "I will miss all of the park, there are too many favourite spots within it.

"But most of all I will miss the people who work in the park and the local visitors to the park.

"They are the important people who know and care for what is a great open space which is not just home to herds of deer but also a living museum.

"I am moving away to Northumberland where I will be picking up plastic on the beach for one day a week and spending plenty of time in my own large garden.

"I have always tried to put the park user/visitor at the centre of everything I have done where possible.

"Please continue to enjoy the park and its environs but also respect it and its wildlife, it as after all their home you are visiting. "