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During the 20th century, many other open spaces were taken into local authority ownership while others have come under the control of the National Trust. Allied to that, the Metropolitan Green Belt established in 1938 provides a chain of green spaces encircling London. Not that such provisions are guarantors for all time. The green belt is chipped away a little each year, and the post-2010 relaxation of planning law deliberately makes the life of a developer easier.

London’s physical boundaries may not increase, but the number of people who live in it undoubtedly will: perhaps to 10 million by 2027. That brings more pressure on places to live, work and play, and to travel within the city and beyond. Watchfulness and a campaigning spirit are needed to defend the open spaces that London has. But as we have seen, that is hardly new; they are traits that come naturally to many Londoners.

Above Happy Valley (Walk 20)

And in this they have support. Almost every open space has its own little volunteer-led group, which might run anything from a bird count to a children’s nature hunt or a litter pick. Many are listed in this book. If you’re a Londoner and haven’t joined one, do. If you’re a visitor, check out what they are doing this week – there might be a talk or leaflet, say, which can enrich your knowledge of the area you’re walking in.