We promised to tackle fly-tipping by installing even more pocket parks across the borough, and we want you to tell us where they should go.    

Pocket parks are small parks that are accessible to all residents. These sites are usually very small – like the size of a parking space – but can be as large as a tennis court. We’ve already delivered 20 of them across Merton, including five in the past few weeks alone. You can find your nearest Pocket Park here: LINK 

These small parks transform previously unused pockets of public land into vibrant spaces that brighten up neighbourhoods and provide residents with a new space to unwind. Crucially, pocket parks have also been shown to help tackle and prevent fly-tipping by bringing more people into the area, and making the space look managed and cared for. 

If you think you know a spot that would be perfect for a pocket park, you can tell us through our new survey. The best potential sites will be: 

• No more than 0.4 hectares (that’s about half the size of football pitch)  
• Easily accessible to everyone in the local community  
• Able to meet local needs, e.g. provide spaces for people to relax, exercise or interact  
• Able to provide greenery and habitat for wildlife 

We know that keeping the borough clean is a top priority for residents. Therefore, because of the track record pocket parks have in helping to tackle fly-tipping, we’ll be prioritising areas that are known to be hot spots for illegal dumping and littering. 

We’re also looking for a team of residents to help look after their local pocket park. This would mainly involve general tidying and gardening, but we’re also looking for local people to form ‘Friends of Park’ groups. If you’re interested, you can give us your details at the end of the survey or email in your interest to X. 

The survey is open until 6 August 2026, and you can take part by visiting our Engagement Hub. 

Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said:

“We promised to create more pocket parks, and now we want your help to decide where to put them. 

“Pocket parks are a fantastic way of brightening up our neighbourhoods by turning unused land into a beautiful spot for everyone to enjoy, and they help tackle fly-tipping! Where we have put them in, residents have told me that they have made a really welcome addition to their neighbourhood, so let us know if there’s a space near you that could do with a makeover by filling in our survey.”