Press Release – New approach to grassland maintenance for Tewkesbury Borough

Today (Monday, 12 May 2025) a change in approach to maintaining grassland areas across Tewkesbury Borough, which will also see a biodiversity pilot scheme begin, has been announced.   

The council will no longer cut highway verges on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, and it will only be responsible for maintaining its own land. The county council will use a suite of its own contractors to complete its grassland maintenance within the borough.   

This change will allow Gloucestershire County Council to introduce wildflowers in some areas, which helps towards increasing biodiversity.    

While the borough council will continue to maintain its areas, a ‘No Mow May’ pilot scheme in five locations across the borough will soon get underway.    

To enhance biodiversity and create essential habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, small sections of grass will be left to grow at Abbots Road – Brockworth, Katherine Close – Churchdown, Beeches Close – Highnam, Gloucester Road – Tewkesbury and Binyon Road – Winchcombe. This pilot follows the council’s declaration of an ecological emergency in 2023, and the priority of caring for the environment with further initiatives being explored to prevent species loss and protect the natural environment.   

Cllr Murray Stewart, Lead Member for Environmental Services said: “This step change aligns with the council’s broader sustainability and bio-diversity goals. As well as the No Mow May pilot scheme, we’re also exploring other ways in which we can give nature a better chance to improve biodiversity and support the local ecology.   

“We have let our parish councils know about the new approach and look forward to working with communities to ensure the success of this change.’’  

Residents may notice differences in grass maintenance across the borough and if anyone would like further information, residents can check the council owned grass maintenance areas map.    

For any concerns or comments about Tewkesbury Borough owned land, residents are asked to use the self service portal or call 01684 295010. 

More information about grass cutting by Gloucestershire County Council, the schedule and maps can be found here: Grass cutting | Highways. To raise any issues please use the FixMyStreet app.   

ENDS