London's parks chiefs unite for heatwave safety appeal

• City of London Corporation, The Royal Parks, The National Trust, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, and Parks for London issue joint safety appeal as Amber heat alert is triggered
• Visitors urged to help prevent wildfires and avoid unsafe swimming during hot, dry weather
• Millions expected to visit London's parks and open spaces during the heatwave 

Following the issue of an Amber heat alert, the City of London Corporation, The Royal Parks, The National Trust, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, and Parks for London have joined forces to encourage people to enjoy the capital’s open spaces safely. 

With millions of visitors expected in London’s parks, the organisations are urging everyone to take a few simple steps to protect themselves, others, and the environment: 

• Keep out of un-lifeguarded lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other open water where swimming is prohibited. Cold water shock and hidden hazards can prove fatal, even in hot weather
• Help prevent wildfires by never lighting barbecues or open fires, disposing of cigarettes safely, and taking litter home or using bins provided
• Carry plenty of water, stay hydrated, use suncream, and seek shade during the hottest part of the day
• Respect park staff, wildlife, and fellow visitors by following local safety advice 

The organisations behind the appeal manage some of London's most popular green spaces, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Morden Hall Park, Osterley Park, Walthamstow Marshes, and Gunpowder Park, which welcome tens of millions of visitors every year. 

Chairman of the City of London Corporation's Natural Environment Board, James St John Davis: 

"London's green spaces are at their best in the sunshine, but after weeks of hot, dry weather they're also at their most vulnerable. It only takes one barbecue, one discarded cigarette, or one decision to enter unsafe water for a day out to end in tragedy or put others at risk. 

"We're asking everyone to make the safe choice - stay hydrated, keep out of un-lifeguarded water, dispose of litter responsibly, and never light barbecues or open fires. By making a few simple choices, we can protect these treasured green spaces and help ensure everyone can enjoy them safely throughout the summer." 

Director of Parks at The Royal Parks charity, Darren Share, said: 

“London’s parks are a lifeline for millions during extreme heat, offering shade, space and refuge, but in hot, dry weather, the risk of wildfire escalates. A single spark from a barbecue, cigarette or piece of glass can ignite a fire in seconds, putting visitors in extreme danger, burning through protected habitats and killing wildlife. Please enjoy a picnic, but leave barbecues at home, fully extinguish cigarettes, and take litter home if bins are full. 

“We know many people will be looking for ways to stay cool in this heat, and we’re reminding Londoners to only swim in designated areas during lifeguarded opening times. Please follow the rules and help ensure a day in the park does not end in tragedy.” 

Head of Parklands at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, David Hutley, said: 

“Many of Lee Valley Regional Park’s London sites are vulnerable during prolonged hot, dry weather. They have already suffered six fires, destroying almost 2.5 acres of grassland, so we urge visitors to take extra care. Please take your rubbish home, as discarded glass bottles and cigarettes can all spark fires. 

“London’s parks welcome millions of visitors and are home to precious wildlife and habitats. From water voles and kingfishers to hundreds of plant species, these spaces need protecting. By using our parks responsibly and following safety advice, everyone can help keep London’s green spaces safe this summer.” 

General Manager at National Trust Morden Hall Park, Abi Mcneil, said: 

"We know first-hand how devastating these fires can be. In 2022, a fire believed to have been caused by a disposable barbecue burned through part of Morden Hall Park, damaging habitats and putting wildlife at risk. With the park currently so dry, it only takes a single spark to start a serious fire. What might seem like a small mistake can have lasting consequences, destroying decades of conservation work in a matter of hours and putting people, wildlife and emergency responders in danger. 

"We're asking everyone planning to enjoy London's parks this summer to help protect these special places. Please leave barbecues and campfires at home, dispose of cigarettes safely and take all litter home with you. By making a few simple choices, we can all play a part in keeping Morden Hall Park and other green spaces safe for people and nature." 

Mark Camley, Executive Director of Estate and Neighbourhoods at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park said: 

"London is one of the world's greenest cities, with parks, commons and open spaces that give millions of people the chance to enjoy nature, stay active and find respite during high temperatures.

"We're proud to be working alongside park organisations across the capital to encourage everyone to enjoy these places safely. We are asking everyone to help protect them by taking sensible precautions, following local safety advice and showing consideration for the people and wildlife that share these spaces. By working together, we can ensure London's green spaces remain safe, welcoming and resilient for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer."

Executive Director of Parks for London, Ed Stanndard, said: 

“London’s parks and green spaces are invaluable places for people to escape to and enjoy during hot weather and we all have a role to play in keeping them - and the people who work in them - safe. 

“By taking simple precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding unsafe swimming, and helping to prevent wildfires, visitors can protect themselves, others, and the precious green spaces that millions of Londoners rely on.” 

For the latest weather warnings and heat health advice, visitors should follow guidance issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency before travelling.