This summer, the communities of Glastonbury and Street are set to see less frequent grass cutting on council-managed lands as part of Somerset Council's 'Leave it Longer' initiative.

The program, designed to enhance local biodiversity, aims to allow grasslands to flourish, supporting a variety of plant species and wildlife, including pollinators and small mammals.

Where safe to do so, mowing routines across council-managed highway verges, open spaces, country parks, and council property grounds will be reduced.

These areas will be carefully managed, and safety and visibility around verges and public spaces such as play areas will remain a priority and will be cut more regularly.

Cutting practices along highways have been adjusted to promote grassland species during the growing season, while making sure that safety remains paramount.

On wider verges, only a 1-metre swathe is mowed, leaving the rest untouched.

The aim is to create vibrant grasslands that buzz with life, where wildflowers bloom, and pollinators thrive. These resilient habitats can include wonderful rare plants including orchids, diverse pollinators, and small mammals.

Last year's trials increased the wildflowers by around 30 species at our Brympton Way and County Hall sites. Too frequent cutting regimes had previously stifled their growth.

The council recognise that some people may feel the leave it longer approach can look 'untidy' at times. However, nature is not always neat, and it is essential to allow plants the necessary time to complete their full lifecycle, enabling them to set seeds for the following year and rejuvenate even more effectively.

Lead member for Environment and Climate Change Councillor Dixie Darch said: "Providing larger, higher quality and better-connected grasslands across the county is pivotal to ensuring habitats are of high quality and support a diverse abundance of species.

"Defra has appointed Somerset Council as the lead for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Somerset, and grassland networks that deliver well-connected pollinator-friendly spaces will form part of this.

"This also includes green spaces and parks that transition to the capable hands of our parish, town, and city councils, and as they take the reins, we will also encourage them to embrace the "leave it longer" spirit and leave space for nature to thrive."

Residents can join us in nurturing nature and get involved in helping wildlife at home by reducing grass-cutting and creating areas for nature. There are many great websites offering tips on how to rewild gardens, such as the Royal Horticultural Society.