General information on parks and open spaces
As a borough we are fortunate to have many open spaces, children's play areas, a cycle race track, tree trails, ecology areas and a model railway for children. As a result, we can put on many outdoor sporting events so you can enjoy green spaces and gardens to watch, or take part in, activities such as cricket, football, tennis, cycling and skateboarding or one of the many smaller events put on regularly by Green Spaces.
We look after six premier parks:
In addition we have a number of smaller parks, open spaces, playing fields, children's playgrounds and cemeteries. Premier parks differ from other open spaces in that they have park keepers based on site during opening hours
Opening hours
Except where otherwise stated we aim to open locked sites by 9 am every day. Some sports areas are only opened for some prebooked activities.
View park closing times (145KB PDF file)
View attendant hours for premier parks (109KB PDF file)
Accessibility information
If you have access needs please go to the Disabled Go access guide for parks in Waltham Forest. Type in the park you wish to visit to find out about the facilities. If the park isn't listed on this website please contact the Green Space Service on 020 8496 3000 for further information.
Parks and Open Spaces strategies and plans
- Open Space Strategy 2010-2020 (2.7MB PDF file)
In September 2010, the Council adopted the Open Space Strategy for the borough. The strategy reports on the amount, location and quality of open space in the borough. The strategy is intended to last until 2020 and it contains an action plan for the first three years of this ten year period - Biodiversity Action Plan (5MB PDF file)
The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) offers an in-depth insight into the surprising wealth of flowers and animals to be found across Waltham Forest, from back gardens and cemeteries to woodlands, marshes, streams and rivers - Waltham Forest Tree Strategy 2010-2020 (4.5MB PDF file)
Waltham Forest Council adopted its tree strategy in February 2011. The strategy sets out a framework for the planning and management of the borough’s urban forest for the next ten years. The Council is committed to the high quality and proactive management of its tree stock. The Council consulted on the draft strategy during August 2010 and received 237 responses. These responses were taken into account in the production of the final strategy
Be a friend of your local park
Want to be involved in improving your local park? 'Friends of Parks' groups work with the Council's Greenspace team to create better open spaces. Each group helps care for a specific park or green space in the borough.
All Waltham Forest residents are welcome to join a Friends Group, or help to establish one in your local green space. If you would like to know more about Friends Groups in the borough or how to set one up please contact Waltham Forest Direct on 0208 496 3000.
For further information see www.friendsofparkswf.org
Park events and activities
To find out about events, activities and volunteering opportunities that are happening in Waltham Forest Parks please go to our Park Events page.
Park hire
To hire a park or open space for an event you need to complete a Green Space Booking Form. To find out more about what is required please email judy.beaupierre@walthamforest.gov.uk
View our 2013/4 fees for booking a park for a community event
Charges for all other types of events and commercial hire are negotiable and you should contact the Green Space Service to discuss your requirements.
Sports pitch hire
We have many popular playing fields catering for a wide range of outdoor sports. You will find information on this page about our standards and booking sports facilities.
Our service standards
The standards apply to all parks, open spaces, playing fields except Chingford Mount Cemetery, Walthamstow (Queens Road) Cemetery and Selbourne Walk.
View our service standards (44KB PDF file)
General byelaws
The general byelaws cover pleasure grounds, public walks, open spaces and the town square.
View our general byelaws (210KB PDF file)
Dog control orders
For further information about walking dogs in parks and cleaning up after your dog please see our dog control orders.
Feedback
We value your feedback on our parks and open spaces, which helps to make the best management decisions we can.
If you have any immediate comments or queries please contact us at the Green Space Service 020 8496 3000.
Alternatively another good way to tell us what you think is via the GreenSTAT questionnaire. This helps us to build up a picture each year of what we do well and what we need to improve.
Further Information
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Can I ride my bike in the parks, open spaces, playing fields or children's playgrounds?
- Can I walk my dog in the parks, open spaces, playing fields or children's playgrounds?
- I am a registered blind person. Can I take my guide dog into a dog-free area?
- How do I book a tennis court?
- How do I book a sports pitch?
- Do you manage Walthamstow Marshes?
- Do you manage Chingford Plains?
- Do you manage Epping Forest?
- Do you manage Wanstead Flats?
- Do you manage Douglas Eyre Playing Fields?
- Do you manage the Peter May Centre / Wadham Lodge Sports Ground?
- Do you manage Chingford Cricket Club?
- Do you manage Leyton County Ground?
- Can I donate a memorial bench to my park?
