Warming up for 2026
We’re not long back from our usual festive break, and the start of January is always a time for taking stock and thinking of the year ahead here on Hampstead Heath and nearby green spaces. We’re lucky to work in such a varied place - across the Heath, but also Kenwood Estate, Highgate Wood, Keats House and all the way over on the Heath Extension and Golders Hill Park. This means there’s lots of planning to do, and lots of logistics to run our various programmes.
Sunrise over London, and over a frosty Hampstead Heath and Stone of Free Speech
It’s been a cold start to the year, but we sometimes forget that this is normal. Although we have very changeable weather in this country, low winter temperatures are an important part of nature’s cycle. We adjust, as does our wildlife, and it’s a surprisingly good time of year to see animals, particulaly feeding birds. It’s not long to go until the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch and we’ve a number of expert guided walks at the end of January.
Obviously January is the time for New Year’s resolutions, and getting outdoors, whether for mental or physical health, is a rewarding thing to do at this (and any time) of year. Check out our what’s on page for all our upcoming activities and guided walks. Our weekly Health walks are a great social and healthy way to get active, full details on how to join in can be found here.
The moon setting over Parliament Hill
If you’re more keen to get involved as a volunteer, check out this page which has details on our various opportunities from practical work to more community-related work.
As 2026 progresses and we steer our way through winter we’re very thankful to all our staff and volunteers, including those from our partners at the City of London Corporation and English Heritage, for keeping our green spaces so well managed (despite the often unsettled weather!).
