Special cut for wild strips on the recreation ground

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Cut and Collect Mowing

‘Cut & collect’ mowing should help nature …

The Parish Council arranged a special ‘cut and collect’ mowing of the wild strips around the edges of the Recreation Ground on 5th April.

Taking all the cuttings away (rather than leaving them on the ground) should bring a number of benefits for nature and wildlife: it should reduce the build-up of a thatch of cut and fallen grass, keep nutrient levels low and ensure plenty of bare ground for plants to regenerate from seed.

Studies have shown this to be a major factor in maintaining biodiversity. 

It’s envisaged that this sort of cut will take place once each year (perhaps in January to March in future) but will be supplemented with the annual community ‘Hay-Day’ in September. This was a very popular event last year – and a great success (see here). 

For the rest of the year these wild strips will be left to grow long again …

The Parish Council was able to obtain a small grant from Hampshire County Council to cover the costs of this special ‘cut and collect’ mowing because of Buriton’s role in the Pollinator Project.