Lambeth Parks Face Heatwave Strain as Love Parks Week Opens

Lambeth’s parks are under strain as the borough marks Love Parks Week during a heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 30°C for the fourth time this year. The council reports falling water levels in lakes and ponds, stressing fish, amphibians and birds, while resident swans have seen unusually high cygnet deaths.

More than seven million people visit Lambeth’s parks annually, according to the council. This year’s Love Parks Week, running during the current heatwave, highlights both the benefits of green spaces and the challenges posed by extreme weather. The borough has nearly 40% of its land designated as naturalised open space, a figure the council says is part of its climate adaptation strategy.

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Wildlife and Water Levels Under Pressure

Lambeth Council and the Environment Agency are monitoring oxygen levels and ecological conditions in parks, where low rainfall has left soils parched. The council has observed falling water levels in ponds and lakes, which it links to the prolonged hot weather. The impact on wildlife includes a higher-than-usual number of swan cygnet deaths, though the exact cause remains unclear.

Councillor Natalie Kane, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture, said the climate breakdown is putting “huge pressure” on parks. She added that the council is working to manage current challenges while preparing for future climate impacts. The council has stopped cutting grass under tree canopies to support biodiversity and has planted trees better suited to drier conditions.

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Our parks are vital to life in Lambeth and hugely valued by both the council and our local communities. It’s also important to highlight how the climate breakdown is having a very direct impact locally putting huge pressure on our parks and open spaces.

Cllr Natalie Kane, Lambeth Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture

Green Flag Awards and Climate Adaptation

Last month, three more Lambeth parks received Green Flag Awards, bringing the borough’s total to 30. The awards, issued by Keep Britain Tidy, recognise well-managed green spaces. Lambeth Council said the accolades reflect ongoing efforts to maintain high standards despite climate pressures.

The council’s climate adaptation measures include the Bee Roads project, which has created wildflower meadows along roadsides, and a drainage programme to reduce flooding risks. A tree-planting initiative has focused on species more resilient to dry weather. The council has also ended routine grass cutting under trees to support biodiversity.

What Happens Next

Lambeth Council said it will continue monitoring water levels and ecological conditions in parks throughout the summer. Residents can check updates on park conditions and council initiatives at lambeth.gov.uk/parks. The council has not announced any immediate changes to park management in response to the heatwave but said it remains focused on long-term climate adaptation.