City of London parks win Green Flag awards as visitors urged to help protect them
Fifteen much‑loved spaces, including Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and West Ham Park, have once again been recognised with Green Flag Awards, placing them among the best‑managed green spaces in the world. These City of London parks, cared for by the City of London Corporation, are part of a network that draws millions of visitors every year, offering calm and beauty in the heart of and around the capital.
The Green Flag Awards have been given to sites including Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and West Ham Park, all cared for by the City of London Corporation. The awards highlight excellence in conservation, biodiversity and visitor experience, while 14 of the sites have also achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation for their historic features and long‑term stewardship.
For Londoners planning summer walks, picnics or afternoons in the fresh air, the message is clear: enjoy these spaces but treat them with care. With millions of visits expected over the coming months, the City Corporation is urging everyone to take litter home, leave barbecues at home, and be mindful of fire risks as temperatures rise.
James St John Davis, who chairs the City Corporation’s Natural Environment Board, said the accolades are a testament to staff and volunteers but come with responsibility.
“Each summer these spaces face increasing pressure – from fire risk, litter, and more people coming to enjoy the outdoors. The job doesn’t stop once the flags go up,”
he said. “We’re asking everyone to play their part and follow the rules.”
Caroline Haines, Chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, spoke of the fragility of these landscapes. “A recent fire in the far south of Epping Forest is a timely reminder of how vulnerable these spaces can be in hot weather. Barbecues are banned for good reason, a single spark from a cigarette or glass bottle can cause real damage.”
And on Hampstead Heath, which has been a retreat for Londoners for generations, Alderman and Sheriff Gregory Jones KC reflected on the importance of shared responsibility. “Winning a Green Flag again is a proud moment and a reminder that we each have a role to play in looking after the Heath for the future. The bylaws and regulations are there for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.”
The City of London Corporation manages more than 11,000 acres of green space across London and the South East, investing millions each year to maintain them. These include Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves protected under environmental legislation. A recent report estimated that these open spaces deliver over £282 million in benefits to society each year, a figure expected to reach £8.1 billion over 50 years.
Collectively, the sites attract more than 47 million visits annually. That’s more than three times the number of people attending Premier League matches each season and almost eight times the visitors to the Grand Canyon.
You can read more about London’s cultural and environmental highlights in our Brendan Barns on Culture feature. For further details on the Green Flag Award and its criteria, visit the Keep Britain Tidy website for independent information.
For more updates on London’s green spaces and the work to keep them thriving, visit EyeOnLondon City – and we’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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