Relaxed mowing and wildflower areas
Green spaces benefit us all and are important in creating environments for everyone (including wildlife!) to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
You may have noticed some of our grassed areas are being left to grow longer than usual.
This is part of our relaxed mowing approach, a change in how we manage some green spaces to support wildlife, improve biodiversity and create more sustainable communities.
We know this means a visible change to how some areas look, so it’s important to explain what this means, why we're doing it, and how it benefits both you and the environment
Relaxed mowing means some grassed areas are cut less often allowing them to grow more naturally. Instead of maintaining all grass at the same short length, we create a mix of spaces, with shorter grass where people need it and longer areas where nature can develop.
This is not about stopping maintenance. These areas continue to be actively managed, but in a way that supports plant life, insects and wildlife. The aim is to provide a more natural balance while maintaining green spaces that are safe, accessible and suitable for everyday use.
Biodiversity across the UK has been declining over many years, with everyday green spaces playing an important role in helping to reverse that trend. Areas of grass that are cut often don’t offer great habitats for wildlife, while allowing some spaces to grow naturally creates opportunities for plants and animals to thrive.
By introducing relaxed mowing, we can support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, encourage a wider variety of plants, and create habitats for birds and small animals. Over time, this contributes to healthier ecosystems.
Wild grass areas in communities can also play a positive role in supporting wellbeing by creating calming, natural spaces to help people feel relaxed and connected to their surroundings. These areas can often encourage mindfulness, and improve mood by offering everyday contact with nature, wildlife, and seasonal change. They also give people shared places to enjoy and value together.
Relaxed mowing and wildflower planting are being introduced across several neighbourhoods, including areas in Wakefield and the district, Kettlethorpe, Pontefract, Knottingley, Normanton, Featherstone and Lupset. Locations have been carefully selected to make sure they’re appropriate spaces, where relaxed mowing will deliver environmental benefits without affecting how residents use and enjoy their surroundings.
We review each site to make sure it continues to meet expectations around safety, visibility and accessibility. This is a planned and considered approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all change.
Spring: grass is maintained with all grass cuttings removed.
Wildflowers can grow and take over the current grass.
Late spring / summer: all areas will be left alone, only the edges
will be cut to prevent growth from taking over boundaries and
neighbouring gardens.
Late summer / autumn: meadows will be cut and collected.
This removes extra growth, helps wildflowers which need low
nutrient soil and prepares the ground for the following spring.
We understand you might have questions about the changes to how our green spaces look particularly where people are used to seeing regularly cut grass in all areas.
Our approach has been designed to strike the right balance. Grass will continue to be cut regularly in high-use areas, such as along pathways, around homes and in spaces used for recreation. Relaxed mowing will only be used in locations where it’ is appropriate and beneficial to do so.
This makes sure neighbourhoods remain tidy, safe and welcoming, while also creating opportunities to support wildlife and improve the natural environment.
Get in touch
We know this is a change in how green spaces are managed, and we welcome feedback.
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about relaxed mowing or wildflower areas in your neighbourhood, please get in touch.
Your feedback will help us continue to work effectively for both our communities and the environment.