New grass cut trial bids to boost wildlife

The collaboration between the council and Amey’s Streets Ahead, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust will change the frequency in which some grass verges across the city are mowed between now and October.

It is hoped that the longer grass will create ideal conditions to attract a wider range of wildlife.

University of Sheffield PhD researcher Olivia Richardson said: “Previous research has shown that changing how often grass verges are mown in rural areas can improve verges for plants and insects.

“This trial will be a fantastic chance to see if the same is true in urban areas, whilst maintaining a functional road-side verge.”

The trial is part of a wider Living Highways collaboration between the partners, which is set up to look at a variety of alternatives to short mown grass verges across the city.

Darren Butt, Streets Ahead’s Operations Director, said: “This is a great opportunity to enhance areas of Sheffield through increased diversity of maintenance and we’re pleased to deliver the trial alongside our partners.”