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FAQs

Below you will  find answers to the questions we get asked most often about Wandsworth’s greenspaces.

Who do I need to contact if I have an allotment query?

You can find out about allotments in Wandsworth, allotment waiting lists and how to apply for an allotment by visiting https://enablelc.org/parks/allotments/
If you have any further questions, please contact the Enable Allotments Officer on 0203 959 0063 or email allotments@enablelc.org.

Click here for information about visiting Battersea Park

Where do you hire bikes from in Battersea Park?

Bike hire in Battersea Park is operated by London Recumbents on behalf of Wandsworth Council. They are situated on North Carriage Drive next to Battersea Park Zoo. Please visit the London Recumbents website or call 020 7228 6843 to find out more information.

Is there boating in Battersea Park?

Boat hire in Battersea Park is operated by Bluebird Boats on behalf of Wandsworth Council. They are located on the lake, just along from the Pear Tree Café. For information on prices and opening times, please visit the Bluebird Boats website or call 0207 262 1989.

Are BBQs allowed?

BBQs are not allowed in any of Wandsworth’s parks, commons or open spaces. If you spot one, please call our Parks & Events Police on 07500 959 442.

Who do I need to contact to book a cricket pitch?

In order to book a cricket pitch, please contact idverde sports bookings by visiting idverde’s website or call 020 8767 1830.

Who should I contact if I want to report an issue with a cyclist?

Any enforcement matters in Wandsworth’s parks and commons relating to cycling are the responsibility of the Parks and Events Police. Please contact them on 07500 959 442.

Who should I contact if I want to report an issue with a dog or a dog walker?

Any enforcement matters in Wandsworth’s parks and commons relating to dogs or dog walkers are the responsibility of the Parks and Events Police. Please contact them on 07500 959 442.

How many dogs am I allowed to walk in Wandsworth’s parks, commons or open spaces at one time?

An individual may walk up to four dogs at any one time.
A licence is required for an individual to walk more than four dogs at any one time. The licence now allows an individual to walk up to a maximum of six dogs. Please visit ‘Multiple dog walking licences’ page on Wandsworth Council’s website for more information.
If you see someone not following these rules, please call the Parks and Events Police on 07500 959 442.

How many dog walkers can walk together in any of Wandsworth’s parks, commons and open spaces?

Dog walkers are not allowed to walk together in any of Wandsworth parks and commons at any time. They can meet in the middle of a large open space, as long as there are no members of the public around.

Can you fly drones/ Remote Controlled Aircraft / Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)  in any of Wandsworth’s open spaces?

Drones / Remote Controlled Aircraft / Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) are not permitted to be flown on or from any of Wandsworth’s parks, commons or open spaces. Greater London Council parks, gardens and open spaces bye-laws apply.

How do I find out more about the new Falcon Park Community Sports Centre?

The new 3G artificial grass pitch is coming soon to Falcon Park. For information about future bookings please email FPCSC@enablelc.org or call 020 3959 0030.

What activities are permitted in Wandsworth’s lakes?

No wild swimming
No dogs – drinking, paddling, swimming
No paddling
No body boarding
No remote-control boats
No private boating
No magnet fishing

The lakes in our green spaces are managed for wildlife as the priority not for public bathing. We regularly test the water quality to understand if our maintenance programme is improving the biodiversity, but tests cannot inform us about all the possible issues that may affect the health of people.

There are byelaws in place to help us to safeguard you and the health of your family and pets. The Parks Police enforce these byelaws and if you or your pet are found in the lake you may be subject to a fixed penalty notice.

People and pets can also spread invasive species, damage habitats both in the water and at the water’s edge and prevent wildlife from breeding. The Wildlife and Countryside Act makes it an offence to disturb nesting birds and the penalty that can be imposed is an unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment or both.

Our lakes are small and anyone or anything entering the water disturbs the silts in the lake bottom. This increases the possibility of blue-green algae occurring

Blue-green algae and its dangers to dogs

Our lakes are all in environments where rats are part of the ecosystem. Rats can carry Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis).

Weil's disease

We strongly urge you to abide by the byelaws and keep yourself, your family and your pets from entering the water in any circumstances.

If you wish to go boating, please visit The Boating Lake in Battersea Park, where you can hire a rowing or peddle boat during school holidays, public holidays and weekends between Easter and the end of September. Please visit http://www.solarshuttle.co.uk/battersea.htm to find out more.

Fishing is allowed in certain areas of Wandsworth Common Lake, Tooting Common Lake and Battersea Park Lake. A FISHING PERMIT from the Parks Office is COMPULSORY. Please visit https://enablelc.org/fishing to find out more.

Who should I contact if I have a concern about litter in a park or common?

Please email the Parks Office at parks@enablelc.org with a description of the concern and the exact location.

Who should I contact if I have a concern about litter in the street or on a housing estate?

Please contact Wandsworth Council Waste Services on 020 8871 8558.

Who do I contact about lost property?

I have found an item

If you find lost property on our sites, please contact the Parks and Events Police to hand it in on 020 8871 7532 or email parkspolice@wandsworth.gov.uk.

At Wandsworth Common, lost property can also be handed into the Skylark Café where a lost property box is kept.

I’ve lost an item

Any lost property that is handed in to us is logged and stored at the Parks and Events Police Office in Battersea Park.

You need to contact Parks Police on 020 8871 7532 or email parkspolice@wandsworth.gov.uk.

At Wandsworth Common, lost property may also be handed into the Skylark Café where a lost property box is kept. Please visit the Café to ask if they have your lost item(s).

Do I need permission to put up a gazebo or any other structure in a park?

Gazebos are not permitted in any of Wandsworth’s parks or open spaces. Please contact the Events Team if you wish to bring any structure into any park.
You can email them at events@enablelc.org or phone them on 020 3959 0015, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Do I need to get permission to hold an event, have a party or have a picnic in a park in Wandsworth?

This will depend on the size of your event/party/picnic and what activities you are planning.
Please contact the Enable Events team to check if you need permission.
You can email them at events@enablelc.org or phone them on 020 3959 0015.

Who do I need to contact to book a tennis court?

In order to book a tennis court at a particular park, please contact the relevant tennis provider. Please visit our tennis courts listing to find the relevant contact details.

Who do I need to contact if I come across an injured or trapped wild animal (swan, duck, etc.)?

We do not directly look after wild animals. They are free to come and go to our lakes, parks and commons as suits them.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a wild animal, please contact the RSPCA for advice on 0300 1234 999.
If you are concerned for the welfare of a swan you can also contact the Swan Sanctuary on 01932 240790.