Decision Details

Implemented

Grass Cutting - A Conservation Approach

Yes

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for The Environment

Tue 3 Sep 2019

Consideration of alternative approaches to grass cutting in certain open spaces in East Suffolk, in order to promote biodiversity.

Operations

Approved budget

Yes

Not Applicable

Kerry Blair, Head of Operations

None

Committee

Cabinet

Yes

Yes

No

No

The Council needs to identify where meaningful responses can be made to the Climate Emergency, through East Suffolk Council Environment Policy, and general public opinion.      

To be considered

None.     

1. That East Suffolk Council runs pilot schemes through the 2020 growing season in Southwold and in Saxmundham, where a less intensive cutting approach is trialled and results monitored by the ecology team.
2. That consultation is carried out with Town and Parish Councils to identify areas where local residents may support a less intensive cutting schedule. 
3. That these pilots are cost neutral - with neither an increase or decrease in the grounds maintenance budget.
4. That the ecology team at East Suffolk is engaged in these pilots to monitor and report on any positive effect of reduced cutting on wildlife populations.
5. That East Suffolk explores how to move towards a ‘no spraying’ policy as standard across the District, and further identifies ways in which this change can be made cost neutral.
6. That work is carried out through the Green Print Forum to identify volunteer groups that may be prepared to take on the work of monitoring and maintaining areas of natural space on behalf of their local community.    

None.  

None.