The borough has celebrated a new Green Flag at Brenley Park in Mitcham, bringing the number of numbered parks holding the internationally recognised quality award in Merton to eleven.
Council investment and volunteers credited
Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, joined Merton’s Parks and Green Spaces team at the awards ceremony to mark the achievement. The council says the rise in awards comes after targeted investment alongside close collaboration with the borough’s volunteer‑led “Friends of” groups.
“We promised to work with the community to win even more Green Flags for our borough’s much‑loved parks, and we have done just that,” said Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council.
He added that, unlike some other local authorities that have reduced park services, Merton has been able to continue funding improvements and plans to pursue further Green Flag success in the coming years.
What the Green Flag means locally
The Green Flag Award is given after a formal judging process that assesses how welcoming, well maintained and safe a space is, along with biodiversity and community involvement. Retaining or gaining a Green Flag is a sign that parks are meeting standards expected by residents and visitors.
- Newly awarded: Brenley Park (Mitcham)
- Current total: 11 Green Flag parks in Merton
- Factors cited: council funding, volunteer groups, maintenance and community engagement
All ten previously recognised parks in the borough have retained their status. They range from formal gardens to playing fields and recreation grounds, providing a spread of green space across Merton.
| Park | Type |
|---|---|
| Abbey Recreation Ground | Recreation ground |
| Cannizaro Park | Park |
| Canons House & Grounds | Historic grounds |
| Colliers Wood Recreation Ground | Recreation ground |
| Dundonald Recreation Ground | Recreation ground |
| John Innes Park | Park |
| Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field | Playing field |
| South Park Gardens | Gardens |
| Haydons Road Recreation Ground | Recreation ground |
| Holland Garden | Garden |
| Brenley Park (new) | Park / recreation |
Local impact and next steps
For residents, the expansion of Green Flag sites underlines improvements to everyday outdoor spaces used for exercise, play and relaxation. The council has said the work is ongoing and aims to secure further awards, a process that will require continual maintenance, environmental management and community involvement.
Practical information for anyone wanting to get involved: look out for local "Friends of" groups that support park upkeep and events, or contact Merton Council’s parks team to volunteer or raise issues about green spaces in your neighbourhood.
The 30th anniversary Green Flag Awards ceremony this year was held in the borough, with the event taking place at AFC Wimbledon.
