Issue - meetings

There are over 2,500 hectares of open space within the combined BCP area. Of this, a significant percentage is grassland which requires some form of management, depending on location, use or designation (e.g. highway verge, sports pitches or conservation areas)

The type of area managed, and the method used influences a number of factors including the time and resources required and the sustainability of the operations.

At present, there are a number of different methods used across BCP. This is largely influenced by the type of area being maintained, however there can be variations in the approach to these methods between historic authorities, for example, differences in the frequency of cutting highway verges.

A consistent approach to grass management is required throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.  Financial pressures and the Council’s declaration of a climate and ecological emergency will require the development of policies and practices that recognise and address these factors in front line operations.

Future policy will aim to increase biodiversity and carbon capture through the promotion of sustainable land management

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           the development of a long-term BCP Council policy on grass management, taking into account financial and environmental impacts and public expectations be endorsed;

(b)           Cabinet supported recommendations in order to ensure that grass management practices are sustainable and contribute to the Council’s declaration to become carbon neutral by 2030;

(c)           Cabinet supported trials to determine best practice and feasibility of grass management methods;  and

(d)           the implementation of procedures that have the potential to increase biodiversity and carbon capture was endorsed.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

Reasons

To recommend a range of procedural and operational changes throughout BCP Council’s open spaces that have the potential to reduce our Carbon footprint, increase carbon capture and increase biodiversity, by promoting changes in grass cutting, wildflower meadow development and grassland habitat management. This being in line with the Council Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were requested to consider a range of procedural and operational changes throughout BCP Councils open spaces that had the potential to reduce our Carbon footprint, increase carbon capture and increase biodiversity, by promoting changes in grass cutting, wildflower meadow development and grassland habitat management. This being in line with the Council Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

A Councillor addressed Cabinet requesting that consideration be given to increasing the width of the mowed paths.

A number of Councillors spoke in support of the report highlighting the ecological benefits and stressing the importance of communications to explain why some grass is left to grow long.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)           the development of a long-term BCP Council policy on grass management, taking into account financial and environmental impacts and public expectations be endorsed;

(b)           Cabinet supported recommendations in order to ensure that grass management practices are sustainable and contribute to the Council’s declaration to become carbon neutral by 2030;

(c)           Cabinet supported trials to determine best practice and feasibility of grass management methods;  and

(d)           the implementation of procedures that have the potential to increase biodiversity and carbon capture was endorsed.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change