Wandsworth honoured in Good Parks report

Wandsworth’s parks received special recognition for remarkable improvement in the annual report released by Parks for London.

The borough’s parks reached eighth place this year, soaring 13 spots since the last report.

The theme for Good Parks for London 2024 was ‘Collaborative Solutions’. Wandsworth scored highly in many criteria including public satisfaction, collaboration, supporting nature, and health, fitness and wellbeing.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Wandsworth is very lucky to have so many parks to enjoy. We are delighted to have been recognised for the hard work and commitment to make the most out of every park and I would like to thank every member of staff and volunteer involved.

“The council is committed to maintaining our green spaces. It is especially exciting for our biodiversity work to be honoured as the report’s case study for supporting nature.”

Wandsworth’s parks featured as a case study example for supporting nature by monitoring biodiversity in Tooting Commons and Wandsworth Common through bat and amphibian surveys, carried out as part of the citizen science programme.

Local resident Matt, who grew up in Balham and now lives near Wandsworth Common, said: “I’ve always loved the parks in Wandsworth. I grew up near Tooting Common, and I love the pond and the ducks in Wandsworth Common. It’s amazing to have always had such a huge open space so close to my home in London, I feel very lucky.”

Good Parks for London aims to improve and celebrate park services across London, encouraging sustainability, accessibility and community wellbeing. Their report comes out every two years to highlight the work that London boroughs do to maintain and develop London’s parks and green spaces.