Barnet parks turn brown as England records driest July since 1911
Residents report cracked soil in Hampstead Heath and Friern Barnet recreation grounds after 5.6mm of rain
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Trust 54: uses Met Office data and specific date, but lacks named individuals or multiple independent sources.
Higher is stronger
Critic 77: explains relevance and provides specific data, yet omits quotes from affected residents or officials.
Higher is stronger
Hype 35: employs dramatic adjectives but remains proportionate to the factual content.
Lower is better
Grass in Barnet’s parks has turned brown after England recorded its driest July in more than a century. The Met Office said on 31 July that only 5.6mm of rain fell across the country, less than half the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911.
Residents in Hampstead Heath and Friern Barnet have sent photographs to News London showing cracked soil and yellowed grass in recreation grounds. The council confirmed that no additional watering has been scheduled for public parks, but verges outside schools and care homes may qualify for exemptions.
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What the dry spell means for Barnet
Barnet Council told News London that it is following Thames Water’s drought plan. No hosepipe bans have been announced for the borough, but the water company said it is monitoring reservoir levels daily and may introduce restrictions if the dry weather continues into August.
The council’s parks team said it has stopped watering ornamental flower beds to conserve supplies. Play areas and sports pitches remain open, but users are asked to avoid walking on brown grass to prevent further damage.
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How residents can respond
Barnet Council said residents can report parched verges outside their homes if they believe the location qualifies for an exemption. Requests should be sent to the parks team with a photograph and the street name. The council will decide within five working days whether to water the area.
Thames Water said it is asking customers to reduce non-essential water use, such as washing cars or watering lawns. The company said it has not yet activated drought permits, but will update its website if restrictions are introduced.
The next formal review of water levels is scheduled for 15 August. If rainfall remains below average, Thames Water said it may declare a drought and introduce temporary use bans.
Questions this report answers
+How much rain fell in England in July?
The Met Office said England recorded 5.6mm of rainfall in July 2022, the lowest since records began in 1911. This is less than half the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911 and has left parks across Barnet brown and cracked.
+Will Barnet introduce water restrictions?
No restrictions have been announced yet. Thames Water said it is monitoring reservoir levels daily and will review the situation on 15 August. If the dry weather continues, temporary use bans may be introduced.
+Can I ask the council to water the grass outside my home?
Barnet Council said residents can report parched verges outside their homes if they believe the location qualifies for an exemption. Requests should include a photograph and the street name. The council will decide within five working days.
+What happens next if the drought continues?
Thames Water said it will review water levels on 15 August. If rainfall remains below average, the company may declare a drought and introduce temporary use bans, such as hosepipe restrictions, for Barnet and other affected areas.
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