Published on Monday 20 April 2020
Essential grounds maintenance services, such as grass cutting will begin today, Monday 20 April, on large open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
This valuable work will ensure grass areas are safe and accessible for those wishing to partake in their daily exercise at these open spaces and to encourage use of the whole site rather than just pathways. Grass cutting services will only be undertaken on highways in situations where sight lines are affected.
The grounds maintenance team will be removing litter in the open spaces prior to grass cutting. Each site will be cut using tractor and trailed mowing machine, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines, therefore there will be no strimming around obstacles such as signs, benches or other park furniture.
Councillor Felicity Rice, Cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change said:
"Our open spaces are vital for local residents to have their daily exercise during the Covid-19 crisis, therefore it is important to keep these areas accessible, safe and litter free. In some areas such as playing fields, it is important to cut the grass so we can avoid dominant grasses damaging the fields. We will also cut grass beside paths within the parks to help people walk and cycle past each other at appropriate distances. There is benefit from reduced grass cutting during this crisis in the form of enhanced wildlife and biodiversity and I encourage people to notice and share photos of wildlife that is seen in any uncut grassed areas with #bcpcouncil.’’
The Council will continue to review Government advice and will review the service if further social distancing measures are introduced.