The 70 Actions: Inside the City of London Corporation's Five-Year Vision for the Heath

This analytical piece dissects the City of London Corporation's draft five-year business plan for 2026-2031, which proposes more than 70 separate actions for Hampstead Heath. The article groups these initiatives thematically, exploring the tension between commercial income generation and ecological conservation. On one side, it examines proposals to explore new revenue streams including corporate events, filming opportunities, and the installation of padel or pickleball courts in response to growing sporting demand. On the other, it details ambitious environmental schemes: creating up to 11 new small ponds to mitigate flood risk, installing 70 leaky dams on streams to slow water flow, reintroducing grazing sheep for conservation management, and reviewing pesticide impacts from dogs on swimming ponds. The article features commentary from Professor Jeff Waage of the Heath and Hampstead Society, who supports the draft plan while noting that many activities are "aspirational" and currently lack funding, requiring external support. Alderman Gregory Jones KC's vision of balancing ecological improvement with visitor enjoyment provides the framing narrative.