Parks and Green Spaces: Contracted Work

Whilst we are unsure about the efficacy of outsourcing the management of our parks and green spaces, we will work with idverde, who currently hold the contract, and then with Glendale Services, who are due to take over the contract in November, to ensure that maintenance and development is as good as possible. This will include:

• checking that children’s play areas are safe and stimulating
• identifying accessibility problems and making improvements accordingly, including tackling the dearth of public toilet provision
• making sure that litter is picked before mowing and strimming commences
• reviewing the Council’s Tree Strategy to ensure that it is fit for purpose, and that the operations of idverde/Glendale Services are aligned with it
• addressing the biodiversity crisis by: advocating less mowing and the retention of mown grass, cuttings and fallen leaves, where appropriate; introducing more pollinator friendly plants; installing more insect hotels; eliminating the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers; and pressing for more rigorous ecological surveys to inform the protection and enhancement of biodiversity
• revitalising the numerous green spaces that have so much potential, yet lay bare or overgrown, with rewilding always an option
• designing in more wildlife corridors to join up our parks and other green spaces more effectively
• overhauling the reservation and waiting list processes for allotments to ensure that vacant plots are allocated and taken up actively
• bringing a community garden and/or orchard to every neighbourhood that wants one
• educating the public about their local environment and how to care for it

 

Parks and Green Spaces: Voluntary Work

We are grateful for and will continue to be fully supportive of the work of the Tree Wardens, the various Friends groups, and other like-minded groups like Merton Friends of the Earth – all of whom volunteer their time, energy and expertise to nurture many of our much-loved green spaces.

 

Parks and Green Spaces: Events

There is, amongst residents, variation of feeling concerning events in our parks. We will continue to oppose events that damage flora, pose a threat to fauna, and disturb the lives of residents in surrounding roads. And we do not support the issuing of blanket licences, as we believe that proposed events should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Park and Green Spaces: Campaigns

To read our stance on the threat to Wimbledon Park, please see https://www.mertongreenparty.org.uk/2026/03/20/our-response-to-wimbledon-societys-questions-ahead-of-the-council-elections/

 

Waterways
The health of our rivers, lakes and ponds demands greater attention. Sewage overflow from Thames Water is an especially grave problem. We are grateful for and will continue to be supportive of the South East Rivers Trust, whose mission of lifelong stewardship of our rivers is helping to improve the habitats of the River Wandle, Beverley Brook and Hogsmill River. However, we also recognise that more funding and new legislation (ideally, a new Rivers Act) is needed to protect our waterways from pollution and climate change, hence we will lobby accordingly.