Lewisham is one of London’s best-performing boroughs for parks
The Good Parks for London 2026 report, published by Parks for London, assesses parks services across 24 participating London boroughs. Lewisham was placed second overall in its top 10 performance ranking.
The assessment looks well beyond traditional grounds maintenance. Boroughs are considered across 10 areas including public satisfaction, quality standards, partnership working, events, health and wellbeing, supporting nature, community involvement, skills, sustainability and strategic planning.
This year’s report has a particular focus on resilience and the role parks play in helping communities respond to environmental, social and financial pressures. It highlights parks as important places for nature, physical and mental wellbeing, recreation and bringing communities together.
Lewisham’s work is also showcased through a dedicated case study on the River Pool Partnership. The partnership between Lewisham Council, Friends of the River Pool, Thames21 and Glendale is highlighted as an example of how communities, environmental organisations and professional parks management can work together to improve green spaces over the long term.
Over the past 15 years, the partnership has helped improve biodiversity and habitats, manage flood risk, support community involvement and make maintenance more sustainable. Since 2021, more than 2,000 volunteers have taken part in 209 conservation sessions, contributing more than 8,500 hours to caring for and improving River Pool Linear Park.
In 2025, an investment of £10,000 in the partnership generated an estimated £32,000 in equivalent volunteer hours, before taking account of its wider environmental and community benefits.
Cllr Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action:
“This is fantastic recognition for Lewisham and for everyone who helps make our parks and green spaces such an important part of life in the borough.
“Being ranked second in London is a testament to the hard work of our staff, partners, volunteers, friends groups and local communities. It's excellent that the assessment looks at much more than how our parks look, and recognises the role they play in nature, health and wellbeing, community life and building a greener and more resilient borough.
“The River Pool Partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when the council and communities work together. We will build on this success and continue working with residents and partners to make our parks even better.”