An environment charity has announced a new campaign to promote parks in Merton.
Go Parks Merton aims to encourage people to get out and explore green spaces within the borough.
CPRE London, which coordinates the GoParksLondon campaign, is working with the council and Merton park friends groups to launch the project.
The campaign begins on June 6 and will unveil 'walk and cycle' park routes which anyone can follow at any time.
Laura Collins from the GoParksLondon campaign said: “We’re so excited to launch the campaign in Merton.
"We’ve worked with local friends groups, environmental and active travel groups and the council to map out a safe route taking in over 20 Merton parks and the River Wandle.
“Merton residents and visitors can learn more about Merton’s fantastic parks and green spaces by visiting the parks map where there are over 100 Merton sites to explore and plenty of friends and community groups to join.”
The campaign will also run on social media with attractive images encouraging people to discover the beauty of nature.
Councillor Natasha Irons, Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces, who will be at the route launch, said: “It’s great to be a part of the GoParksMerton campaign and highlight the wonderful green spaces we have in Merton, as well as the important role friends and community groups play in supporting these sites.
"I hope that the GoParksMerton campaign will help people find out more about friends groups and feel inspired to get involved.”
Maria Barker, chair of the Colliers Wood Residents Association – Parks and Green Spaces group commented: “As a friends group, we organise events to help people learn more about nature whilst enjoying the park’s many features.
She added: "We recently set up this friends group and have been really pleased at the level of community support for our activities.
"We encourage other communities to consider setting up a friends group in parks that don’t have one as it has really contributed to a sense of neighbourhood spirit.”
To sign up to the launch visit here.
To learn more about Merton’s fantastic parks visit the map here.
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