A rewilding programme of wildflower meadow areas and bulb planting in select community spaces by the borough council has enabled nature to flourish across Warrington.
The programme has been undertaken in some community areas, highways and parks over recent years to improve the natural appearance of green spaces, alongside reducing grass cutting in some places.
Following a motion tabled at a recent Full meeting of Warrington Borough Council to encourage further natural growth of grass verges and enhance natural wildlife, the council has explained that the current scheme of encouraging meadow growth is reaping rewards.
Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “Supporting wildlife, local ecology and Warrington’s natural environment is a priority. We will continue rewilding community spaces and along highways to give meadows further opportunity to flourish.
“We will keep a close eye on the selected areas and ensure spaces that need to be maintained such as parks, open spaces and verges continue to be prioritised in the grass cutting schedule.
“During the growing season, football pitches, bowling greens and play areas will continue to be maintained. However, in some areas, grass is cut less often to allow wildflower meadows to thrive, adding to the natural environment.”
This follows the council’s climate emergency declaration in 2019 and ecological emergency declaration in 2020.
Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, said: “This programme of planting and rewilding is great for improving the local environment for wildlife, such as bees and other pollinators. It also positively impacts our air quality and helps to make our green spaces more sustainable for the future.
“Over the next few years, residents will see even more meadows developing across the borough as the programme matures, ensuring that our local ecology continues to thrive.”
