A new campaign to encourage residents to enjoy the boroughs best attractions has launched this week. 

Giant white hearts have popped up in parks across the borough as part of the Councils Discover Merton campaign. 

The campaign aims to showcase some of the boroughs most beautiful green spaces whilst promoting small buisnesses to visit in Merton. 

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, the Cabinet Member for Commerce, Leisure and Culture said: 

“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy a staycation in Merton this summer to help the borough’s leisure activities, shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes recover following the lockdown.

"We want to remind residents that we have amazing green spaces, heritage and fantastic attractions across the whole borough for them to explore.

Your Local Guardian: Image by Merton Council Image by Merton Council

"The council and businesses have been working hard to introduce safety measures to protect residents from the coronavirus and so we are encouraging everyone to support the local community and economy.”

“Our parks became a haven for residents during lockdown and so the hearts are our way of expressing this love.

"It’s also to remind people to show love to fellow park users by adhering to the social distancing guidelines and help control the spread of coronavirus."

Here is where the Council has recommended to visit this summer: 

-Explore Merton Abbey Mills and discover the working waterwheel in the wheelhouse pottery café.

-Try paddle sports at Wimbledon Watersports Centre.

-Say hello to the animals at Deen City Farm.

-Cross one of London’s first rainbow crossings to celebrate the LGBTQ community.

-Walk in the footsteps of Lord Nelson by following Nelson Trail.

-Discover Merton’s wartime heritage and women’s suffrage.

-Get to know the trees in the 140-year-old woods on Canon Hill Common.

-Cycle round Mitcham Common to admire the ponds and diverse habitats.

Share your photos with the hashtag #DiscoverMerton online. 

For more information visit Discover Merton