Biodiversity to increase in 16 areas of Charnwood as reduced mowing trial begins

Published: Tue 9th July, 2024

A trial is underway to increase biodiversity in locations across Charnwood.

The borough council is reducing mowing in 16 locations to boost wildlife and insect numbers on land it owns as part of a three-year trial.

The trials will see mowing reduced in the areas from 10 times a year to two and the biodiversity levels will be closely monitored to measure the increase in wildlife and insects.

The trial began in May 2024 and results will be examined before a decision is made on whether the reduced mowing schedule will continue permanently and be expanded to other areas.

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for open spaces, said: “These trials will hopefully increase the biodiversity in each of these areas and residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the wildlife that it brings.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the reduction in mowing and the impact that it makes.

“The Council has a vital role to play in reducing the carbon footprint of the whole of Charnwood and this is just another step in the right direction.”

The Council manages over 900 acres of open spaces. The 16 locations total around 21 acres which is just over 2% of the open spaces managed by the Council.

The areas in which the trial will take place in include Loughborough, Rothley, Syston, Sileby and Barrow-upon-Soar.

A map of the areas and information can be found on the Council's dedicated webpage.

Information signs have been placed at the sites to make residents and visitors aware of the biodiversity project.

The Council will continue to mow the parameters of each of the green spaces to ensure that they do not become overgrown.

All the areas included in the trial were chosen following recommendations by an ecology consultant.

The Council maintains over 900 acres of open spaces in the borough through its partner idverde.

The Council has recently declared a climate emergency and committed to working with partners and communities to reduce carbon emissions and help limit global warming.