Long grass

Designated long grass areas

Where suitable, large highway verges in both rural and urban areas will be left to turn into grassland habitats. The fringes will be cut regularly to ensure the grass does not encroach onto pathways, roads or obstruct sight lines.

In parkland and other open spaces where appropriate we shall allow margins of grassland to develop instead of cutting right up to the park boundary.

Hay fever

There is no legal obligation to cut the grass for hay fever purposes. 

We do sympathise with hay fever sufferers, however studies show the wider health, wellbeing and ecosystem benefits from allowing grassland areas far outweigh the negative impact on hay fever sufferers. 

In grassland and meadow areas, we will time cuts of grassland areas when the pollen becomes more dense and less dispersed, this is typically outside the critical period of May, June and July.

Ticks

Ticks live in areas of dense vegetation such as grassland and woodland locations, so we encourage those enjoying these environments to take care along with pet owners. Ticks are easily removed and it is important to examine your dog after a walk regardless of whether they have been taken through woodlands or grasslands. 

Where we have introduced long grass areas we are ensuring that there are still plenty of areas of regularly cut areas for all to enjoy.

Top tips to avoid ticks include:

• Keep to footpaths where possible
• Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers when in woodland and grassland areas 
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin
• Keep a look-out for ticks after being in a tick environment so any can be removed promptly