Walk through Hyde Park or Richmond Park on a hot July afternoon and the grass crunches underfoot instead of springing back. That’s the reason grassfire risk has climbed so sharply across London’s Royal Parks, and why the people looking after these spaces are having to rethink how they manage them.
Why has this become such a problem?
Nearly half of London is green space, which sounds nice until weeks go by without rain. All that grass and dry undergrowth sits right next to homes, train lines and footpaths used by thousands daily. A cigarette end tossed into dry grass, sunlight hitting broken glass, a barbecue someone thought had cooled. Any of these can set off a fire that spreads faster than most people expect, especially with wind behind it.
What’s happening on the ground – grassfire risk
Royal Parks staff aren’t just hoping for rain. Arboricultural teams check tree condition and vegetation regularly, paying closer attention to busy areas or ones that have been through extreme weather. When a tree looks dry or stressed, maintenance gets scheduled quickly rather than left for later.
Steps already in motion include:
- More frequent patrols during amber and red heat warnings.
- Extra signage near spots where people picnic or barbecue illegally.
- Closer coordination with the London Fire Brigade so response routes stay clear.
- Instructions to deckchair operators not to set up under dry tree canopies.
Why the barbecue ban isn’t just red tape
All eight parks enforce a strict barbecue ban, disposable ones included. The ground under one can stay scorching hot for hours after the flame looks out, a real burn risk for a barefoot child or a dog later that day. As wildfire warnings have shifted from “elevated” to “extreme” this summer, enforcement has tightened along with them.
Before your next visit
- Leave the barbecue at home, disposable kind too.
- Carry litter and glass out rather than leaving it on the grass.
- Check the day’s heat or fire warning before heading out.
- If you spot smoke, tell staff straight away or call 999.
- Stick to marked paths when everything’s bone dry.
It comes down to habits, not just policy
None of this works if it’s left entirely to staff. Every person who skips the barbecue, bins their rubbish, or flags smoke early is doing their bit to keep these places standing. Nobody wants a 300-year-old oak going up in smoke over a dropped cigarette, so the small stuff really does matter.
Discover smarter ways to go green.
How Can You Cut Emissions?
Check out simple ways to reduce your footprint.
How Much Energy Does AI Use?
Find the hidden environmental costs.
Which Small Habits Make Difference?
Uncover easy actions with big impact.
How Green Is Film Production?
Dive into cinema’s environmental footprint.
What Are The Best Eco Steps?
Explore practical ways to lower emissions.
