Wandsworth Council is set to implement measures to enhance the resilience of its parks and green spaces against increasingly hotter and drier summers. Councillor Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment, outlined the strategy during an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The plan includes selecting drought-tolerant plant species, increasing tree canopy cover, and supporting sustainable drainage systems. The council also aims to improve meadow and biodiversity management.
During periods of extreme heat and drought, the council utilized its communications channels and park signage to alert residents to fire risks and promote responsible park usage. Councillor Brooks acknowledged the visible impact of the summer's heat on grassy areas, noting that while established grass is not routinely watered, efforts were made to provide targeted watering for young trees, newly planted areas, and vulnerable flora.
Councillor Brooks expressed gratitude to the borough's numerous tree wardens who volunteered their time to water trees throughout the summer, acknowledging that the existing contractual provision for tree watering was insufficient given the changing climate. The current contract only includes a rota for watering young trees in their first two years of life, a provision now deemed inadequate. The council is also relying on many tree wardens volunteering around the borough to keep trees watered.
Further details on the council's plans can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting held on September 15, 2026.