Enhancing Biodiversity in our parks

Following the success of last year's biodiversity trial, the council will be continuing the revised mowing regimes across parks and open spaces in the High Peak. This work supports the ongoing delivery of our Parks Strategy and reflects our commitment to enhancing local habitats for wildlife and the community.

In addition to the original sites, four new locations will join the scheme this year:

• Small amenity spaces in Old Glossop
• Harehills Park, Glossop
• Hogshaw Recreation Ground
• Meadowfield, Whaley Bridge
• Bemrose Gate Amenity Spece, Hope Valley

These join the existing trial sites:

• Ashwood Park, Buxton
• Granby Road, Buxton
• Temple Fields, Buxton
• Gadley Lane (Serpentine Woods North), Buxton
• Serpentine Walks, Buxton 
• Whaley Bridge Memorial Park
• Manor Park, Glossop
• Bankswood Park, Glossop
• Glossop Cemetery

Maps of the parks showing the reduced mowing areas.

Ashwood Park reduced mowing area

Ashwood Park reduced mowing area

Close Maps of the parks showing the reduced mowing areas.

What's Changing?

From spring, designated areas within each site will continue with a once‑a‑year cut‑and‑collect mowing regime. Leaving these areas uncut through the growing season supports the development of meadow grass and native flowering species.

Cut‑and‑collect management helps reduce soil nutrient levels, preventing vigorous grasses from dominating and giving wildflowers more space to thrive. Over time, this encourages greater plant diversity which in turn supports pollinators, insects, birds, and a wide range of other wildlife.

How the Ongoing Trial Will Work

The approach remains the same as last year:

• Selected areas will be left unmown from March, allowing natural meadow habitats to develop.
• A cut and collect will take place between September and October, with all cuttings removed to support long‑term ecological benefits.

Why This Matters

Traditional frequent mowing often limits plant diversity and suppresses wildflower growth. By adopting reduced mowing in carefully selected areas, we aim to create healthier, more resilient ecosystems within our parks and open spaces.

The continuation and expansion of this trial will help us better understand how these changes perform across different landscapes and community settings.

What to Expect When Visiting the Sites

Residents and visitors may notice:

• Longer grass and more diverse plant life
• Clearly maintained framing strips or pathways to keep access tidy
• Increasing variation in meadow species over the next few years

Improvements typically become more visible after 2-3 years of consistent management, but this varies depending on soil type, existing vegetation, and local conditions.

Monitoring and Next Steps

This remains an active trial, and we will be closely monitoring each site throughout the year. Feedback, ecological observations, and seasonal growth patterns will help shape future management decisions and determine whether more sites should be added in future years.

By working together to support nature recovery, we can create richer, more vibrant green spaces that benefit both wildlife and the wellbeing of our communities.

Feedback

Have you noticed a difference? Is there still enough space for recreation? Let us know!