Councillors back plans to keep grass cutting at a minimum

When the first coronavirus lockdown was declared in March 2020, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s grass cutting service was paused.

As a result, new wildlife habitats were created and nature blossomed.

When grass cutting resumed in the summer of 2020, it was limited to dual carriageways – with the council only cutting the grass up to one metre from the kerb, leaving the rest untouched.

The council’s approach to grass cutting was praised by environmentalists, including Caerphilly Friends of the Earth, Climate Action Caerphilly and television nature presenter Iolo Williams.

Now, councillors have backed plans to keep grass cutting to a minimum to promote biodiversity.

The move is part of the council’s Climate Emergency, which was declared in 2019.

However, the proposal doesn’t include urban areas such as housing estates, older person accommodation and cemeteries, in order to keep them well-maintained.

Through the summer of 2021, a consultation took place with councillors to identify suitable areas within their wards that could benefit from limited grass mowing.

However, only three councillors responded to the consultation. Areas nominated by local members and relevant officers were Snowdon Close in Risca, Highfield Road in Pontllanfraith and the junction of Heol Adam and B4254, near the Cross Inn in Gelligaer.

Areas within the Grove Estate, Trethomas, as well as areas around Llanbradach Community Centre, were also nominated.

In an Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee meeting, held on Tuesday October 26, the council’s Green Spaces and Transport Services Manager, Mike Headington, said he was willing to work with councillors throughout the year to identify spaces.

Pontllanfraith councillor Mike Adams said he would be in touch with Mr Headington with suggestions in his ward.

Limited grass cutting and campaigns, such as No Mow May, meant that flora and fauna were able to flourish in the county borough.