Land Management

Erewash Borough Council has listened to residents about its strategy for open spaces – and says the feedback will mean changes.

The authority last year launched a programme to modernise how green space is managed and maintained by adopting a more ecological and wildlife friendly approach that will support native plants, boost bees and butterflies, and increase biodiversity. The council will continue to engage with residents as the programme develops.

This year will see urban verges cut regularly – which may mean getting trims every three weeks.

General areas of open space where children enjoy playing will not all be left as meadow. Regular mowing will take place every three weeks to keep the land “multifunctional” – with areas for activities such as informal ball games and picnics.

Elsewhere – including on traffic islands – more wildflowers will be sown to bring extra colour to the borough. Which aims to increase healthy populations of pollinators by providing foodplants, as well as places to shelter and rest.

The impact on public spaces, of nature being allowed to flourish will continue to be closely monitored – with several areas subject to site surveys by ecologists. Notices will signify where this is happening.

Sports pitches and cemeteries will not be affected by the new mowing regime.

Some residents feared longer grass would lead to an increase in dog fouling and litter – but the council has seen no evidence of this.

The council’s mission is to continue to support our natural environment and biodiversity.

“Insects including vital pollinators such as bees have declined by 60 per cent in the past 20 years. Nature can recover but not unless we change the way we manage our precious green spaces.”

Why are we changing how we cut grass

We want to help nature. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are disappearing, and they need places to live and find food.
We're trying to find a balance: keeping areas tidy while also letting some areas naturalise to help wildlife. We have also invested more money into the Green Space and Street Scene service.

Why bees and other insects are important

They help plants grow, which gives us fruits, vegetables, and other food. They help keep our natural areas healthy, which is good for everyone. There are lots of different kinds of helpful insects, and we want to protect them.

How we will cut grass in cemeteries

We'll mow the grass every two to three weeks from April to October. We'll leave the cut grass on the ground. We'll manage weeds around paths and headstones.

What about sports fields

We'll keep cutting the grass on sports fields short all year round, like we always do. We will use weed treatment where needed.

What about parks like West Park, Victoria Park, and Rutland Sports Park

We'll keep working in these parks all year. The main park areas will be mowed every couple of weeks, and the cut grass will be left on the ground.
Wildflower areas will be planted in the spring and cut back in early September. We'll use weed treatment around paths and benches.

What about other open spaces

In many open spaces, we'll mow a strip around the edges as in a 'picture frame'.  We will also mow along paths and around play areas every three weeks.
We will also mow an area for people to have picnics and play games. Some areas will be left to naturalise These areas include places like: Erewash Square and Gallows Inn, Ilkeston. 

What are we doing in areas we're leaving to naturalise

We're letting some areas grow long to help nature. We'll cut these areas once a year, in early September, and take away the cut grass.
We hope this will bring back rare plants and support bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs.
These areas include places like: Bare Lane, Ockbrook and Windsor Crescent, Kirk Hallam. We will put up signs to explain what we are doing.

How we will look after play areas

We'll check play equipment every week. We'll pick up litter and fix anything that's broken.

How we will look after wildflower areas

We'll remove weeds, pick up litter, and collect seeds in wildflower areas. These areas include places like Jonnies Park, Sandiacre. 

Grass verges

Derbyshire County Council is in charge of grass verges. In towns and villages, they'll be cut about six times a year.
In between towns and villages, they'll be cut twice a year.
If you wish to cut the grass verge near your property you should contact Derbyshire County council.

Nature reserves

We'll continue to look after our nature reserves. These include places like: Forbes Hollow and Fox Covert.

Walking my dog

Please keep your dog under control on council land.

Are there more ticks now

Erewash isn't known for having lots of ticks but it's always good to be careful when you're outside.
Please check out the tick awareness leaflet. 

Tick awareness A5 leaflet for printing (publishing.service.gov.uk)

How will this help the environment

• More wildlife
• Less weed killer
• Less pollution from mowers
• More trees
• Helps to prevent flooding.

Will you still pick up litter

Yes, we will still pick up litter.

What about flower displays

We are happy to work with people who want to sponsor flower displays.

Is long grass a fire risk

Most fires are caused by people. We're aware of the risk and will take precautions.

Will there be more rats

Rats like areas with lots of food. We're taking steps to prevent rats, like keeping bins closed and cleaning up food.
Long grass is not an ideal habitat for rats.

Will there be more weeds

We'll keep an eye on weeds and remove any that are harmful.

What about dog mess and litter

We have not seen an increase in dog mess or litter. Please pick up after your dog.