Hackney Council's Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission has reviewed progress on its Parks and Green Spaces Strategy and discussed future plans, including significant strides in reducing chemical use and enhancing biodiversity.
The commission met on Thursday, 10 September 2026, to discuss the halfway point of the ten-year Parks and Green Spaces Strategy (2021-2031). The strategy aims to enhance environmental sustainability, foster community engagement, and create more welcoming public spaces.
Officers presented an update highlighting achievements such as a significant reduction in glyphosate use. For a number of years, glyphosate has not been used for general weed management in parks and green spaces. Its use is now restricted to treating invasive species, and for housing estates, its application for communal area weeds ceased in 2020, with the exception of Japanese Knotweed treatment. The service is also exploring alternatives like tree mulch for weed control. In 2025, the Parks and Green Spaces Service used zero litres of glyphosate, with the ultimate aim being its complete elimination for general weed management.
Further efforts to boost biodiversity include initiatives like wildflower meadow creation and rewilding projects along the River Lea. The commission also heard about the appointment of a dedicated Volunteering Officer to oversee a comprehensive volunteering programme, with a focus on greater representation from diverse communities.
Councillors raised concerns regarding the consistent application of environmental sustainability themes on housing estates, with residents requesting the same standards as in parks. The proposed solution involves the grounds maintenance team reviewing their practices and providing a written update. Investment in more battery-powered machinery and the utilisation of green waste on site are also part of the plan.
The commission also discussed the projected impact of climate change, noting that things are getting hotter
and the increased need for watering, particularly trees. The team is re-evaluating planting choices, informed by biodiversity officers and in collaboration with other boroughs and organisations like Parks for London. Specific resilience measures include stopping seasonal bedding in favour of perennial planting and careful consideration of species for long-term climate resilience by the arboricultural team. The resilience of Hackney Marshes to extreme weather, such as drought and fire risk, was noted, with its well-draining nature due to being built on bomb rubble presenting both winter advantages and summer challenges. The potential for tiny forests
is also being explored. Additionally, new sustainable drainage solutions
are being implemented on estates to combat localised flooding.
Improvements to public toilets in parks and green spaces have been made, including the introduction of Changing Places toilets. However, the council acknowledged significant budget constraints limiting the expansion of standalone public toilet blocks. The cost of a reasonable size toilet block
is estimated between £250,000 and £300,000, with annual operational costs of £40,000 to £60,000. Consequently, the strategy focuses on integrating new facilities where cafes or food outlets are developed, with no current plans for further standalone provision.
Councillor Jasmine O'Connor suggested including arts and culture as a specific theme, while Councillor Noah Birksted-Breen proposed accessibility as a central theme.
Discussions also touched upon the challenges of maintaining green spaces during extreme weather events and the resilience of areas like Hackney Marshes.
Further details on the strategy can be found in the Public reports pack.
