The City of London’s commitment to open spaces dates back to the
1870s when, in response to the rapid disappearance of many public
open areas to make way for the building of new suburban homes and
city offices, it embarked on an ambitious project to safeguard some
of what remained.
As a result two Acts of Parliament were passed in 1878 that
granted the City of London the right to acquire and protect
both Epping Forest and land within 25 miles of the City for the
recreation and enjoyment of the public. This far-sighted policy was
the inspiration behind the later Green Belt movement, designed to
protect the countryside around other British cities from urban
sprawl.
Today, within the Square Mile there are some 150 small parks
and gardens, green oases in the middle of the world’s leading
international financial and business centre.
The City of London’s green fingers extend far beyond the Square
Mile too. It owns and manages some of Londoners’ favourite leisure
spots - such as Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Epping
Forest.
Further afield, Burnham Beeches and a crescent of commons in the
South Croydon and Bromley area all enjoy the same expert care and
protection, benefiting humans and wildlife alike.
Landscaping
The City of London’s Open Spaces Department is responsible for
4330 hectares of parks and open spaces and the conservation,
restoration, refurbishment and development of the elements that
make up these varied and historic landscapes. Projects such as
restoration of veteran trees, heathland, ponds, wetlands and
wildflower meadows are carried out as well as developing designed
landscapes such as in the City of London. Each year many trees and
shrubs are planted in the 200 gardens, churchyards and landscaped
areas in the 'Square Mile' and 250,000 bedding plants are grown at
our nursery in West Ham Park to provide colour in the
City.