City Gardens - an introduction

There are over 200 green spaces in the City. These range from gardens, churchyards, parks, plazas and squares. They are all part of the City's unique history, and many have a tale to tell.

Some of the spaces are hidden, whist some are more open. Many came into being as a result of two historical events: the Great Fire in 1666, and the Blitz. These events caused small derelict areas of land, and the Burial Act of 1855 also meant that churchyards were made available for public use.

The spaces are managed by the City Gardens Team, and are developed from 5 year plans, audits and strategies for future use.

The City of London Corporation has a commitment to open spaces for its 7000 residents and 330,000 workers and visitors every day, and also to improve garden habitats through a Biodiversity Action Plan.

All new building developments in the City must make a positive contribution to the environment, so new trees, flower beds and water features have been created.