Gardeners in Regent's Park won a pay dispute after downing tools when it emerged their colleagues in other parks were being paid more.

The GMB union stepped in after it emerged staff at some of the Royal Parks charity's green spaces were being paid more than others.

After a strike in February, Regent's Park gardeners have agreed to accept new pay rates, bringing them level with their peers in other parks, including neighbouring Primrose Hill.

The Royal Parks runs Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, Regent's Park, St James's Park, Bushy Park and The Green Park, as well as Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens.

All its gardeners are employed by private contractor Idverde.

Regents Park staff were earning from £11.65 an hour to a maximum £13.03, the GMB said.

However in other royal parks, the basic rate of pay is £13.13 a hour.

The gardeners downed tools on February 11 and were due to strike again this week (March 4 to 8) when Idverde agreed to pay them the same rates and back date their pay. 

GMB organiser Anna Lee said: "GMB members can be proud of what they have achieved.  

“This was the first time there has been industrial action at Regent’s Park - all they were asking for was the same pay as the gardeners in the other parks. 

“We are pleased Idverde finally recognised this. 

“These gardeners are highly skilled, qualified staff who have won many awards over the years.  

“When they took industrial action in February they received massive public support because the people value Regent’s Park and those who work to create these wonderful gardens. 

“We now hope Idverde and the Royal Parks will ensure the staff receive the financial rewards they deserve and give the staff fair and just pay rises.”

A Royal Parks spokesperson said they were pleased that Idverde had reached a new pay agreement with their staff at Regent’s Park.

“We would like to thank Idverde and all their staff for the work they continue to undertake to ensure the parks remain high quality and welcoming spaces for everyone," they added.

“All staff working on The Royal Parks’ outsourced grounds maintenance contracts and its other major outsourced contracts are paid, as a minimum, the London Living Wage.

"The only exception to this is fixed-term apprentices, who are paid National Living Wage while studying for a Level 2 qualification.”

Idverde has been contacted for comment.