Improved greenspaces are vital for people to bring them closer to nature, and provide physical and mental well-being benefits. Stirling Council’s Pollinator Strategy 2023 – 2028 has been approved by the Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee as a pillar of Stirling’s attempts to tackle the global climate crisis, providing higher quality greenspaces across Stirling.
Insects such as bees, butterflies and beetles are expected to thrive as a result of changes to the Council’s grassland management.
During 2021 six locations participated in a pilot programme which identified areas of open space and grass which could be left to naturalise or be planted with wild flowers to increase biodiversity.
Following the success of pilot sites in 2021/2022, the council will now extend the programme across the Stirling area, engaging with community groups and residents as part of the process.
Marginal borders and informal grass paths will be mown through the areas identified to allow for access and walking, with signage to explain the environmental benefits of rewilding.
Areas such as sports pitches, road junctions, active burial grounds, play park equipment areas, green spaces within school grounds, war memorials and event spaces will be maintained as previously.
The changes will help:
- create diverse and healthy greenspaces for local people to enjoy
- benefit wildlife and reduce biodiversity loss
- help combat the climate emergency
Changes to maintenance may include the following:
- creating naturalised grass areas
- reducing the frequency of grass cutting
- creating areas of wildflower meadow
- planting bulbs and trees
- where possible reduce pesticide use, and investigate alternative maintenance techniques