A small change that could make a real difference to our natural world

When you look at our public open spaces what would you like

to see, a flower rich sward buzzing with life, or closely mown grass with no

weeds?

At a time when there is increasing anxiety about loss of

'biodiversity' and in particular the decline in bees , which are of huge

economic importance, perhaps we should think about this.

A simple change in the management of amenity grassland could

allow the regeneration of wild flowers which, in turn, would increase the

pollen and nectar available for bees, butterflies, and other less charismatic,

but equally important, invertebrates. 

If the blades of cutters were adjusted so that they were

never lower than about 2'' (except in the areas where there is good reason for

the grass to be kept shorter, such as sports pitches) low growing species such

as clovers and trefoils would be able to set seed. 

There is a perception in some quarters that the public would

be resistant to such a change, but I am not so sure.  Perhaps now is the time to open the debate –

what do you think?

For more information, pictures, and a link to a petition go

to http://wildsoundscape.co.uk/index.php?itemid=81&catid=16