Grass cutting reduced in Colchester to attract wildlife

Colchester Borough Council say cutting's been reduced in areas around Castle Park from once every three weeks to once at the end of the growing season (around mid-Autumn).

The authority say they've done it to encourage wildflowers to grow and attract animals like bees, butterflies and moths to the area.

They added that while some may think that 'weeds' and long growth plants and flowers can look unruly, this approach has been adopted by other councils, amd the wildflowers look very visually attractive during the growing season, as well as supporting wildlife and the environment.

Since the reduction, the Borough Council say they've had 18 species of butterfly recorded in the area - which is a third of all species found in the country.

A large number of bee species have also been spotted since the change.

It's all part of the Colchester Woodland Project which also looks at reducing the amount of glyphosate-based products used to control weeds and plants, by either letting them grow naturally or removing them using more environmentally-friendly methods.

The council say they want to work with local school children to help design signage for these areas in a bid to help educate them about the importance of looking after and supporting nature.

Councillor David King, who's the Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: "The Colchester Woodland Project is not just about planting new treesm important though it is.

"Encouraged by the Colchester Natural History Society and others, it is becoming about letting nature flourish too, about greening Colchester, creating new habitats for wildlife, and helping bio-diversity flourish.

"The change in the grass cutting regime really supports this. The results we have already seen in species of wildlife is fantastic and we think wildflowers in full bloom look beautiful too."