Pilot grass management launched in the Borders
CEMETERIES and playparks will be prioritised as a pilot grass management model is launched in the Borders this month.
The revised model for the 2024 growing season has the aim of improving outcomes for communities and local biodiversity.
The scheme will see a more holistic approach taken to managing greenspace areas, with cutting frequencies recalibrated to reflect local needs by incorporating community feedback and the local knowledge of staff.
The trial will initially be undertaken across three operational routes within different localities to monitor its effectiveness.
The routes, in Berwickshire (Duns, Chirnside and surrounding villages); Eildon (Galashiels and Earlston) and Teviot and Liddesdale (Hawick), have been revised to include areas which would benefit from an additional cut, as well as areas where a more flexible cutting regime can be deployed, including naturalised areas which are cut and lifted at the end of the season.
This new approach will aim to make better use of available resources and target local priority sites.
Sites such as active cemeteries and play parks will be prioritised for cutting, according to the council.
And there will be “a more flexible regime” employed across less active or inactive cemetery grounds and other sites identified that lend themselves to the establishment of more biodiverse spaces.
An “engagement exercise” will be undertaken where SBC will be asking communities their views on the new pilot and its effectiveness.
Councillor
John Greenwell, SBC’s executive member for roads d e ve l o p - ment and maintenance, said: “Our grass cutting regimes were last updated in 2018 and we recognise the time has come to refresh our policies to align with the needs of local communities and better protect our natural environment.
“There can be no doubting the importance of well-maintained greenspace for community wellbeing and this pilot reflects that by targeting areas which are used the most.
“The purpose of this pilot is not to make any financial savings but to improve outcomes for communities. The ultimate aim is to use our resources more efficiently and to take a more flexible approach, meaning we can cut the areas of grass that need it more regularly.
“Another benefit of this pilot will be the introduction of more biodiversity areas in locations which are used less to support key pollinators and contribute to the council’s sustainability targets.
“We will be engaging with local communities across the Borders to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the pilot as it progresses to better understand the priorities for each area and make any changes that are required.”
“The purpose of this pilot is not to make any financial savings but to improve outcomes for communities.”