The Highland Council is increasing the amount of set aside and wildlife corridors across the area, by reducing areas being mown and the frequency of cutting, for example only cutting paths through larger greenspaces, reducing verge cutting and creating wildflower or wildlife corridors between some green spaces. The Council says “This increases biodiversity, crucially in urban areas where it is often low, and is great for habitat creation as well as absorbing more carbon in these areas, and reducing the carbon emitted in managing the greenspaces. The benefits to our pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are evident, but the knock on impacts to other species of plants, insects, birds and mammals are just as important. Providing spaces for more species to thrive can make our communities more biodiverse and enjoyable places to live, with cleaner air and thriving greenspaces.” Signage will explain to the public that land is being left uncut for biodiversity reasons.
If you know of areas on Skye and beyond, that would benefit from this biodiversity-friendly approach, please let us know.
Join PlantLife’s No Mow May campaign, and you’ll get advice, resources and a free poster of roadside and meadow plants.