Lead paragraph
Develop a network of grassland meadows across Stevenage.
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BI5Develop a Meadow Management Framework
Progress
- Discussion
- Not started
- Initial scoping
- Planning stage
- Underway
- Continuous
On time
SBC continues to manage a network of grassland and wildflower meadows across the town, and regularly consider suitable additional sites.
Description
Before the development of Stevenage new town, much of the land that it was built on was managed for agriculture and was, no doubt, far richer in wildflowers than we see in our town today. But the historic close mown management of our green spaces has not enabled many wildflowers to grow, flower and seed.
Since 2011 we have been working to reverse the trend and bring areas of meadow grassland back to Stevenage. Rather than cutting the grass regularly during spring and summer we have left some areas and just cut and cleared them in the autumn. A few sites are cut on a cyclical basis every 2-3 years so that the grassland provides habitat for overwintering insects.
Meadows are not just part of our natural heritage, they provide benefits for local wildlife and help tackle climate change. They can store more carbon in the roots and soil than close-mown grass. Species-rich grasslands are huge carbon stores and lock in carbon and boost biodiversity.
Meadows provide habitat for a range of wildlife, including:
- pollinators such as butterflies, bees and other insects;
- smaller birds that feed on insects or seed heads;
- small mammals such as voles;
- larger birds such as owls that feed on the small mammals
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Tasks
What's left to do?
- 03/2027
Enhancing Meadow Grassland - Town Wide
A number of existing meadow and rough grassland sites have been identified for enhancement, alongside several potential areas for new meadow creation. Site assessments are currently being undertaken to determine their suitability, with preparatory works expected to begin during autumn/winter 2026 and seeding completed by February 2027, weather permitting.
Enhancing and creating meadow habitats will provide a range of environmental and climate benefits. Species-rich grasslands can support pollinators and other wildlife, improve biodiversity and strengthen ecological connectivity across the borough. They can also contribute to climate change adaptation by helping to retain moisture, reduce surface water runoff and provide more resilient green spaces during periods of drought and extreme heat. In addition, healthier grassland soils can store carbon and improve soil structure, while reducing the need for intensive mowing can lower fuel use, emissions and maintenance requirements.
What are we doing?
- 30/09/2025
Agree additional grassland meadow sites
There is a regular review to consider suitable additional sites for this management regime.
What has been done?
- 25/03/2022
Deliver additional grassland management sites
Maintaining 33ha of grassland meadows across 18 sites across the town, including parks and verges.