• Major London parks provider reminds visitors not to light fires or barbecues, to dispose of litter responsibly, and to respect wildlife, staff, and each other
• Safety warning issued following unlawful swimming and anti-social behaviour at Hampstead Heath
• More than 47 million annual visits made to the City Corporation's 11,000 acres of parks, woodlands, commons, and open spaces in last year 

The City of London Corporation is urging Londoners to enjoy the capital's green spaces responsibly during hot weather, following a series of incidents involving unlawful swimming and anti-social behaviour. 

The organisation manages more than 11,000 acres of open space across London and southeast England and is calling on its nearly 50 million annual visitors to help safeguard these nationally important sites by disposing of litter responsibly, never lighting fires or barbecues, respecting wildlife, and following local rules.

The City Corporation's green spaces include internationally important habitats such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves. Together, they are home to around 58,000 ancient trees and support some of the country's most important wildlife habitats.

The sites also provide a wide range of recreational and sporting facilities, from the ancient woodlands and walking trails of Epping Forest to Hampstead Heath's world-famous Bathing Ponds and Lido. 

The City Corporation’s portfolio also includes Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire, Ashtead Common in Surrey, West Ham Park in Newham, several Commons across south London, and more than 180 parks, gardens, and green spaces within the Square Mile itself. 

The appeal comes after a series of incidents at Hampstead Heath where people were seen unlawfully swimming in the Model Boating Pond – disturbing nesting birds and putting themselves in danger – as well as a separate incident of verbal and physical abuse towards staff and visitors at the nearby Lido. 

The City Corporation is urging people to only swim in clearly designated, lifeguarded areas, and to stay out of all other water bodies on its sites. 

Entering non-designated bodies of water is extremely dangerous due to risks including cold water shock, hidden hazards, and exposure to blue green algae, which becomes more common in hot weather and can be harmful to people and pets. Visitors are also reminded to behave responsibly and treat staff and each other with respect, while dog owners should keep pets under effective control, particularly around wildlife and water. 

The City Corporation is also warning of the heightened risk of wildfires during hot, dry weather. Fires can start easily from discarded litter such as glass bottles or carelessly dropped cigarettes. Visitors are urged to never light fires or barbecues and to dispose of waste responsibly or take it home if bins are full, helping to protect these sensitive landscapes and the wildlife that depends on them. 

People are also being encouraged to take sensible precautions during hot weather, including staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and looking out for vulnerable friends and family members. 

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

"Our green spaces welcome more than 47 million visits every year and are among the country's most important natural assets. 

“We want everyone to enjoy them safely and responsibly this summer and make use of our amazing facilities. Let’s work together to protect these treasured landscapes, the wildlife they support, and the people who care for them." 

Chair of the City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Caroline Haines, said: 

"Epping Forest and our Commons are internationally important habitats, and simple actions such as keeping dogs under effective control and taking litter home can make a huge difference. By showing consideration for wildlife and other visitors, everyone can play a part in protecting these special places." 

Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen's Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, said: 

"Our Lifeguarded Bathing Ponds, Lido, and the wider Heath are enjoyed by millions of people every year. We are asking visitors to follow the rules, respect our staff and fellow visitors, and only swim where it is permitted and properly supervised, so everyone can enjoy the Heath safely." 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

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 – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. 

The City Corporation’s open spaces are patrolled by dedicated constabularies, including the Hampstead Heath Constabulary and Epping Forest Keepers (Constables), who are responsible for enforcing byelaws, protecting wildlife, and ensuring the safety of visitors. 

For more information about the City Corporation’s open spaces and the charities that run them, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/natural-environment