What has changed?

We maintain

635 hectares of greenspace overall
245 hectares of amenity grass across over 3250 individual plots (including cemeteries and employment land)

However, as part of a review, some grassed areas - including grass verges, amenity grass areas, steeply sloping ground and bedding plant areas now look different as we have changed the way we deliver our services since 2019.

The changes are required to ensure financial sustainability for the service as well as improving environmental sustainability.

Grasscutting

Since 2018, general amenity grass areas (including cemeteries) that were previously cut once every 10 working days are now being cut approximately every 20 working days. This method is widely used throughout the UK and Scotland as an appropriate, sustainable and efficient method of maintaining greenspace. Please note this is subject to change due to weather.

What remains the same

All grass areas in key civic spaces and high amenity areas which are popular sites for visitors continue to be maintained at traditional levels, as are sports pitches.

What has changed

Since 2019 we have made changes to bedding plant provision, grasscutting and new wildflower area creation, as well as changes to maintenance of third party land. We have engaged with communities over these changes, and always welcome conversations with community groups about working together to ensure we all play our part to maintain our beautiful region for local people and visitors.

Areas under review

There are a number of sites we maintain which do not belong to us. We are reviewing these arrangements and, where appropriate will agree a new arrangement with the third party or community concerned.