We manage around 2,500 hectares of greenspace across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Grass areas are managed differently across the area depending on the location and how the land is used. Some areas are mown regularly and some are left to grow.

Cutting rounds

The areas that are cut on a regular basis are ones used for recreational activities such as parks and sports pitches. Grass in large open spaces will receive a minimum of 4 cuts per year. Sports pitches and grass in play areas will receive additional cuts.

Verges and grass areas in residential estates will be cut 3 times a year subject to weather conditions and growth rates.

Where grass is mown on a regular basis, it is cut following set rounds. When the round is completed, cutting begins again at the start. Weather conditions and resources can affect how long it takes to complete a round which is usually every 8 weeks. When there is a spurt in growth (such as spring, autumn or wet summers) grass can grow longer in between cuts.

We try to complete cutting rounds in the shortest possible time. You can check our grass cutting schedule.

Meadows

Some areas are left to grow during the spring and summer months and are managed as meadow. Edges of meadows are cut when needed, informal footpaths, picnic areas and recreation areas may also be cut in larger meadows.

Meadows are cut in late summer or early autumn. You can view a map of areas that will be managed as meadows this year.

Low fire risk

The risk of fire is extremely low compared to the significant benefits of allowing grass areas to grow.

Hay fever

It’s difficult to tell whether hay fever symptoms are made worse because of areas of uncut grass – high pollen levels are the result of pollen being released from many different plant species, including trees and garden plants.

Ticks and snakes

Ticks live in some areas of long grass, heath and woodland. It’s always a good idea to check yourself and your pets if you have been walking in any of these areas.