The Corporation has been awarded the World Urban Parks Legacy Award for 2024 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the preservation, management, and enhancement of London’s urban green spaces.
It is the first collective city Legacy Award, given to multiple organisations, including the Greater London Authority, Lee Valley Parks, Royal Parks, National Park City Foundation, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and London Legacy Development Corporation, and all 32 London boroughs.
The accolade was collected on behalf of London by the City Corporation’s Natural Environment Director, Emily Brennan, and Executive Director for the National Park City Foundation, Mark Cridge, at the World Urban Parks Annual Congress in Utrecht, Netherlands (23 to 26 September 2024).
The World Urban Parks Legacy Award is given to organisations that demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in urban park management, making a lasting impact on the community and the environment.
The Corporation manages over 11,000 acres of green space across London and southeast England, including iconic places such as Hampstead Heath, West Ham Park, Epping Forest, and more than 180 gardens, plazas, churchyards and areas of green space within the Square Mile.
In total, they attract over 47 million visitors annually – over three times the number who go to Premier League football matches every season, and almost eight times the number of annual visitors to the Grand Canyon.
Chair of the Corporation’s Natural Environment Board and West Ham Park Committee, Caroline Haines, said:
“This award is a testament to the City Corporation’s dedication to protecting and enhancing green spaces across London, often described as ‘back gardens’ by people with little or no outdoor space to call their own.
“Open spaces across London are a vital resource, not only for biodiversity but also for the health and wellbeing of millions. This recognition is a tremendous honour and reflects the hard work of organisations and volunteers across the capital in maintaining these special places for future generations.”
Chair of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy, added:
“150 years ago, the Corporation had the foresight to lead a campaign to conserve thousands of acres of publicly accessible green spaces in our capital.
“That campaign continues today as we work with partners across London to respond to planning pressures and climate change. Together we are resolute in our commitment to protect and enhance ‘the green lungs of London.’”
William Upton, Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, said:
“Receiving the World Urban Parks Legacy Award is not just a reflection of London’s past care for its open spaces, but what we are seeking to do now.
“We are fortunate to be guardians of some of the most cherished green spaces in the world. This award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty, tranquillity, and environmental benefits these spaces offer.”
The City Corporation’s commitment to protecting green spaces dates back to the 1870s in response to the rapid disappearance of many public open areas – often to private developers – by starting an ambitious project to safeguard these vital sites.
Today, they play a crucial role in boosting physical wellbeing and mental health, tackling climate change, and benefitting tens of thousands of school children a year through education programmes.
They include a variety of critically important wildlife habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, and National Nature Reserves, and are protected under legislation.
They are home to 58,000 ancient trees and capture over 16,000 tonnes of carbon every year, making them an important part of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to achieving net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2027; and to supporting the achievement of net zero for the whole Square Mile by 2040.
The Corporation spends £38 million a year on maintaining its open spaces. Many of these sites operate as charitable trusts and are run at little or no cost to the communities they serve.
A recent report revealed that the network of internationally important open spaces managed by the City Corporation are worth £282.6 million each year in benefits to society, and £8.1 billion over 50 years.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – .
The World Urban Parks Legacy Award recognizes individuals or organisations for their significant contributions to park management, celebrating their efforts in preserving and enhancing public parks, and promoting green urban spaces for community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
London was the only city recognised at this year’s awards. For more information visit www.wup.connectedcommunity.org/programs/awards
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