Hampstead Heath rangers are set to trade in shovels for ticketing machines as they double up as parking wardens.

While the rangers are normally seen tending to the flora and fauna, as of next Sunday (November 18) they will be handing out �100 penalties to motorists who have not paid to park on the Heath.

Until last month Heath bosses used to clamp cars not sporting a valid ticket, but this practice has now been outlawed.

In a bid to make �60,000 worth of savings and keep a member of staff, a Heath ranger will patrol car parks on East Heath, at the lido and Jack Straw’s Castle.

Private company District Enforcement will manage the scheme on behalf of the City of London Corporation, which is responsible for the Heath.