Wildflower meadows to grow in city parks as ‘naturalised areas’

Council will consult local communities on creating ‘uncut’ zones in 26 locations

Parts of 26 Dundee parks are being left to grow wild as council officials talk to communities about creating permanent “biodiversity” zones.

The announcement comes after West End residents suggested parts of the city’s oldest park, Magdalen Green, should remain uncut to boost wildlife after lockdown.

Many residents support the creation of more city wildflower meadows, but some have voiced concern about the untidy appearance of the uncut zones and the potential for ticks and other pests to gather there.

SNP councillor Steven Rome, neighbourhood services depute convener, said there were already successful examples of the policy in Dundee, including at Riverside.

“Dundee is perfect for introducing more wildflower meadows; 41% of our city is publicly accessible green space – the highest in Scotland,” he said.

Parks identified for the new zones in a council survey include Dawson, Camperdown, Stobsmuir, Fintry, Caird and the Broughty Ferry Esplanade, as well as Magdalen Green.

Grass and plants in the proposed biodiversity zones will not be cut and weedkiller will not be used while officers consult with community groups.

Maintenance work at playpark spaces, sports areas, cemeteries and other high priority locations such as communal spaces at housing will not be affected, the council said.

Neighbourhood services convener and SNP councillor Anne Rendal said groundstaff had returned to work at the start of the month and were now focusing on maintaining parks, open spaces and housing areas.

“It is important that we safely resume this work across the city following the restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic,” she said.

“At the same time, there are opportunities – in the right areas and with the community’s support – to embrace how nature has restored itself in recent weeks, in line with our biodiversity ambitions.

“We’ve received correspondence from people who want to see the further development of biodiversity and naturalised areas, and we want to engage further with communities to develop this.”

Picture: Kim Cessford. People picnic in the long grass on the northern perimeter of Magdalen Green.