Making more space for nature
In our parks and greenspaces we strive to balance the needs of people, nature and pollinators. We do this to support local biodiversity which is vital to help address the biodiversity crisis.
Through careful management and review, we are adopting more natural management of some areas, while ensuring there is plenty space in our communities for recreation, sport and access.
These naturalised areas might include shaded corners, damp ground, sloping banks, riverside open space or verges and edges.
From cut grass to biodiverse hotspots
Across our parks and public greenspaces, we now take care of both wildflower meadows and naturalised grasslands areas. Some of these have been developed in partnership with local communities and environmental charities, such as Buglife, through initiatives like the Pollinators Along the Tweed project.
For more information and to read our Local Biodiversity Action Plan please follow this link.
What does natural management involve?
We manage naturalised grassland by cutting once or twice a year and - where possible - removing the clippings for composting. To support native wildflowers, we sow yellow rattle seed on some sites in Autumn. This is a good way of reducing the dominant grasses, allowing more delicate pollinator-friendly species to flourish.
We are also creating wildflower areas across our parks and open spaces, which requires the surface to be disturbed, to break up the dominant grass cover, before sowing a variety of annual, biannual and perennial wildflower seeds (depending on the location). Sometimes this can take a few years to start to ‘show’, so don’t worry if things look a little scruffy and remember – “Nature isn’t Neat”!
Why are we making these changes?
- Restore Nature: Many species and habitats are under pressure. Connecting and protecting spaces helps them recover.
- Fight Climate Change: Healthy ecosystems store carbon and reduce flood risk.
- Improve Wellbeing: More green spaces mean better health, cleaner air, and places for people to enjoy.
- Global Responsibility: Scotland is playing its part in international efforts to protect biodiversity.
Nature Networks & 30 by 30: Building a Greener Future
We are required by Scottish Government, who have declared a climate and nature emergency, to deliver two significant initiatives across the Scottish Borders area, Nature Networks and 30 by 30.
To tackle this, we will be working alongside private landowners and key environmental partners to deliver both;
- Nature Networks: Linking parks, woodlands, rivers, and green spaces so wildlife can move freely and thrive.
and
- 30 by 30: Protecting 30% of Scotland’s land and seas for nature by 2030, in line with global commitments.
For further information on these two initiatives please visit the NatureScot website here.