Royal Parks, the charity managing London's green spaces including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, has instructed staff not to place deckchairs under trees as an 'additional precaution' during the prolonged dry and hot weather. The change comes ahead of the fourth heatwave of the year, which is expected to peak on Wednesday (July 28).
Falling branch risks during hot weather
Tree branches are more likely to fall after periods of high heat, a phenomenon known as 'summer branch drop'. This occurs when trees shed branches due to stress from prolonged dry, hot weather, particularly when periods of heat are interspersed with heavy rain. Recent incidents include the tragic death of seven-year-old Leonna Ruka from Dagenham, who died after a branch collapsed in a park in Southend, Essex, last year. Additionally, several children were injured by a falling tree in Surrey earlier this month at a PGL Activity Centre near Hindhead.
A spokesperson for Royal Parks explained: 'We are fully aware of 'summer branch drop', when trees can shed branches due to stress from prolonged dry, hot weather, particularly when periods of heat are interspersed with heavy rain. Managing a landscape with tens of thousands of trees is complex. While it is never possible to eliminate risk entirely, we take active measures to reduce it as far as possible.'
Precautionary measures and inspections
The organisation looks after eight parks and other public green spaces in London, including Richmond Park, Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. It added: 'Our expert arboricultural teams carry out comprehensive, regular inspections, especially in areas with high public footfall and during periods of extreme or changeable weather. Where any risk is identified, we undertake essential tree maintenance, and as an additional precaution, we have instructed our deckchair concessionaires not to place deckchairs directly beneath tree canopies.'
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London. The alert is in place from Tuesday to Thursday, warning that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. According to provisional Met Office data, July has been 3°C above average across the UK, potentially putting it among the hottest three or four Julys on record.
Grass fires and wildfire warnings
Elsewhere in London, firefighters tackled three separate grass fires on Monday, damaging four hectares of land in Enfield, Bexley, and Erith. Assistant Commissioner of London Fire Brigade Pam Oparaocha said: 'While we are fully prepared to respond, we need everyone to play their part in helping to prevent incidents. Wildfires in particular can spread rapidly, require significant resources and have devastating consequences for people, properties, wildlife and the environment. Wildfires can also have a lasting impact on the health of Londoners because of the smoke plumes that they produce.'
Ms Oparaocha advised people not to take disposable barbecues when visiting parks and open spaces. The Met Office assessment shows wildfires could be exceptionally severe by Wednesday if they start in parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to the hot, dry conditions.
