Dame Judi Dench has added her voice to growing calls to protect London’s parks and green spaces, as new research warns that dozens of public sites across the capital could be lost to development.
The award-winning actor is backing campaigners who say more than 50 parks, playing fields and nature reserves in London are currently at risk due to housing, commercial projects and changes to planning rules.
Dench has long been a public supporter of environmental causes, particularly the protection of trees. She previously fronted a BBC documentary highlighting the importance of trees and has spoken openly about planting a tree in memory of loved ones, including her late husband and close family members. She has described trees as living reminders that allow memories to grow over time.
Parks and Nature Sites Under Threat
According to new findings by CPRE London, a leading countryside and green-space charity, at least:
-
Nine public parks
-
Eight playing fields
-
Eight nature reserves
are facing potential development across the capital.
Sites identified as being under threat include Whitewebbs Park in Enfield, Wimbledon Park in south-west London, and Green Dale Fields in Southwark. While campaigners successfully saved six green spaces last year after public pressure, seven others were lost, including a nature reserve in Bexley.
Environmental groups warn that London is steadily losing vital green areas that provide space for exercise, wildlife, mental wellbeing and climate resilience.
Whitewebbs Park and Tree Loss Concerns
One of the most controversial cases is Whitewebbs Park in Enfield. The local council has agreed to lease part of the park to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for development. Campaigners say the plans could lead to the loss of more than 200 trees, including several mature and veteran trees.
Public anger intensified after a centuries-old oak tree in the park was cut down last year, sparking widespread criticism and protests. Dench has publicly supported local residents and environmental groups who are now seeking a judicial review to challenge the council’s decision.
She warned that the loss of public green land has reached alarming levels, saying that large areas once open to communities are being quietly handed over for private or commercial use.
Wimbledon Park Stadium Plans Raise Fresh Debate
Another major dispute centres on Wimbledon Park, where the All England Lawn Tennis Club has proposed building a new stadium, private buildings and dozens of tennis courts on land that was formerly a golf course.
Campaigners argue that the development would reduce public access to open space and damage wildlife habitats. CPRE London has warned that legal rulings now give councils wide powers to sell or lease parkland, making even long-protected green spaces vulnerable.
Government Planning Policies Under Fire
Environmental organisations have also criticised recent government planning changes, including the introduction of a so-called “grey belt” policy. Campaigners say this policy weakens green belt protections and allows land previously considered protected to be reclassified for development.
CPRE London argues that this approach is unnecessary, pointing to hundreds of thousands of approved homes across London that have not yet been built on existing brownfield sites.
Campaign leaders say the pressure to develop green spaces comes despite clear evidence that access to parks improves physical health, mental wellbeing and community safety, especially in densely populated cities like London.
Growing Public Support for Protection
Public concern over the loss of parks has grown in recent years, particularly after the pandemic highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces. Campaigners are calling for stronger national laws to safeguard parks and ensure they remain open, accessible and publicly owned.
Dame Judi Dench has urged urgent action, warning that once green spaces are lost, they are gone forever. She says protecting parks and trees is not only about preserving nature, but about protecting future generations and the character of London itself.
