Making space for nature on our estates

The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since developed a Climate Emergency Action Plan which outlines the need to protect and enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and support sustainable land use. 

Nature in urban environments plays a vital role in addressing these challenges. Green spaces make up around 20% of the borough and are essential not only for wildlife but for the health and wellbeing of residents. By creating more space for nature, we are helping to build a more climate-resilient borough and ensure everyone has access to cleaner air, greener neighbourhoods, and thriving local ecosystems. 

Urban meadow habitats support a rich and diverse array of species, both above and below ground, including pollinators (bees, moths, butterflies, hoverflies), invertebrates (beetles, ants, worms, spiders), as well as birds and small mammals. 

Using vehicles and machinery less regularly on our grass areas can save on carbon emissions and help filter the air around us from pollution bringing colour to our estates. Some residents may be concerned about less grass cutting and whether grounds will look unkempt. We commit to maintain grass edges throughout the year, keeping paths tidy. We will also continue to maintain areas in front of windows.

Types of meadow

Grassland meadows 

These occur naturally when we don’t mow an area of grass. Grasses grow to their full height and wildflowers bloom. These are cut once a year in August and will come back the following year. 

No Mow May

This is a national campaign not to mow lawns until the end of May in order to boost the flowers and nectar, available to pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and moths.  

Ornamental meadows

These are meadows which we sow with a mix of wildflowers chosen for colour and biodiversity. We sow seeds in April which flower in the summer. We cut once September and the meadows re-flower naturally the following year.  

What happens next? 

We'll be selecting more green spaces across the borough, including parks, verges and community areas. We'll be identifying the sites through a combination of ecological assessment and suggestions from residents and Council staff, and we'll prioritise locations where the scheme is likely to bring clear environmental benefits without compromising community use. 

The project will be carried out in phases, based on the seasonal needs of each site to ensure the changes are beneficial to wildlife, sustainable in the long term and sensitive to local needs.