Fifteen of London and southeast England\u2019s most cherished green spaces have once again been awarded Green Flag status \u2013 recognising them among the very best managed parks and open spaces in the world. [See notes to editors].<\/p>\n
With millions of visitors expected this summer, the City of London Corporation is urging people to help protect places like Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and West Ham Park by leaving no trace of rubbish, leaving the barbecues at home, and treating the land with care.<\/p>\n
The Green Flag Awards celebrate excellence in conservation, biodiversity, cleanliness and visitor experience. 14 of the City Corporation-owned sites have also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation, recognising their historic features and high standard of conservation.<\/p>\n
Chair of the City Corporation\u2019s Natural Environment Board, James St John Davis, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThese awards reflect the incredible work of our staff and volunteers in caring for some of the most beautiful and ecologically important places in and around London \u2014 but they also come with a clear message.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEach summer, these spaces face increasing pressure \u2014 from fire risk, litter, and more people coming to enjoy the outdoors. The job doesn\u2019t stop once the flags go up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re asking everyone to play their part and follow the rules: take your litter home, and never light fires or barbecues. We must do everything we can to protect the places we\u2019ve all worked so incredibly hard to care for.\u201d<\/p>\n Chair of the City Corporation\u2019s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Caroline Haines, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFrom the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest to the wide-open Commons of south London and beyond, these landscapes are vital refuges for both nature and people. The Green Flag Awards recognise the care that goes into protecting them \u2014 but we also rely on visitors to help keep them safe, clean, and thriving.<\/p>\n \u201cA 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 \u2014 a single spark from a cigarette or glass bottle can cause real damage. Everyone has a part to play in protecting these much-loved places.\u201d<\/p>\n Chair of the City Corporation\u2019s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen\u2019s Park Committee, Alderman and Sheriff Gregory Jones KC, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHampstead Heath has offered space to breathe, relax and recharge for generations. Winning a Green Flag again is a proud moment \u2014 and a reminder that we each have a role to play in looking after the Heath for the future.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not achieved without a large investment of financial and human resources. In order to preserve this environment, it is vital that we all abide by the Heath’s bylaws and regulations, which are there for everyone\u2019s safety and enjoyment.”<\/p>\n The City of London Corporation looks after 11,000 acres of green space across London and the southeast, investing millions of pounds every year.<\/p>\n Most of these sites are run as charitable trusts and include Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and National Nature Reserves \u2013 all protected under environmental legislation.<\/p>\n A recent report estimated that the open spaces managed by the City Corporation deliver \u00a3282.6 million in benefits to society every year, and \u00a38.1 billion over 50 years.<\/p>\n Together, they attract more than 47 million visits annually \u2013 over three times the number of people who attend Premier League matches each season, and almost eight times the visitors to the Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n ENDS<\/p>\n Notes to editors<\/strong><\/p>\n The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK \u2013 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n