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?
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?
Who do I need to contact to book a cricket pitch?
Who should I contact if I want to report an issue with a cyclist?
Who should I contact if I want to report an issue with a dog or a dog walker?
How many dogs am I allowed to walk in Wandsworth’s parks, commons or open spaces at one time?
How many dog walkers can walk together in any of Wandsworth’s parks, commons and open spaces?
Can you fly drones/ Remote Controlled Aircraft / Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in any of Wandsworth’s open spaces?
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
Our lakes are all in environments where rats are part of the ecosystem. Rats can carry Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis).
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?
Who should I contact if I have a concern about litter in the street or on a housing estate?
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).