The Five-Year Plan: Balancing Leisure, Ecology, and Commerce on Hampstead Heath

This article analyses the City of London Corporation's new draft five-year business plan for the Heath (2026-2031). It explores the tension between the Heath's role as a charitable trust and the need for commercial income. The piece investigates proposals for new revenue streams, such as corporate events and filming, alongside plans for a padel or pickleball court. It balances this against a host of ecological initiatives: creating up to 11 new small ponds, installing 70 leaky dams for natural flood management, and reintroducing grazing sheep. The article assesses whether the Corporation can successfully navigate the conflicting demands of modern visitors, conservationists, and its own balance sheet.