City of London Recognised with 2024 World Urban Parks Legacy Award

The City of London Corporation has been awarded the City of London World Urban Parks Legacy Award for 2024, celebrating its dedication to preserving London’s green spaces. This esteemed accolade celebrates the Corporation’s achievements in conservation and urban park management, showcasing its dedication to a greener, healthier city for all Londoners.

The award represents a collective city honour, shared by a number of key London organisations, including the Greater London Authority, Lee Valley Parks, Royal Parks, the National Park City Foundation, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the London Legacy Development Corporation, and all 32 London boroughs. Together, these organisations play an essential role in ensuring that London’s green spaces remain vibrant and accessible.

Accepting the award on behalf of London at the World Urban Parks Annual Congress in Utrecht, Netherlands, were Emily Brennan, Natural Environment Director of the City Corporation, and Mark Cridge, Executive Director for the National Park City Foundation. The event, held from 23 to 26 September, celebrates cities worldwide that demonstrate leadership and innovation in urban park stewardship, making a lasting impact on the environment and communities.

Guardians of London’s Green Spaces

With over 11,000 acres of green space across London and southeast England under its management, the City of London Corporation is responsible for some of the capital’s most treasured landscapes. These spaces, including Hampstead Heath, West Ham Park, Epping Forest, and over 180 gardens and plazas within the Square Mile, draw millions of visitors each year, offering areas of beauty and relaxation amid the urban environment.

Caroline Haines, Chair of the City Corporation’s Natural Environment Board, spoke about the significance of these green spaces:

“This award is a powerful testament to our commitment to green space preservation across London. These spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential for biodiversity and for the well-being of millions of people. This recognition reflects the dedication of countless organisations and volunteers who help maintain these green havens for future generations.”

Ben Murphy, Chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, highlighted the historical roots of the Corporation’s efforts:

“More than a century ago, the City of London Corporation began the critical work of conserving green spaces for public use. Today, our commitment remains as strong as ever as we tackle challenges like urban development and climate change, protecting the ‘green lungs’ of London for all.”

A Commitment to Future Generations

The City Corporation’s stewardship of London’s open spaces began in the 1870s, a response to the rapid disappearance of public land amid urban development. Today, these areas contribute not only to environmental conservation but also to physical and mental well-being. As part of its Climate Action Strategy, the Corporation manages 58,000 ancient trees and captures over 16,000 tonnes of carbon annually, supporting London’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.

William Upton, Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee, reflected on the award’s significance:

“This recognition honours both our legacy and our current work to protect these treasured spaces. As stewards of some of the world’s most cherished urban landscapes, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can experience their benefits—be it tranquillity, recreation, or environmental sustainability.”

The City of London Corporation spends £38 million each year on the upkeep of these areas, which include Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and National Nature Reserves. Many operate as charitable trusts and are offered to the public at minimal or no cost. A recent study found that these spaces provide £282.6 million in annual benefits to society, with an estimated value of £8.1 billion over the next 50 years.

To learn more about the City of London’s commitment to green space preservation, visit the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment page.

Through this Legacy Award, the City of London Corporation’s work is honoured on the international stage, reflecting its dedication to creating a greener, more resilient city for generations to come.

For more on how the City of London is preserving and enhancing our green spaces, visit EyeOnLondon City for updates and insights

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