The views of the public will be sought, alongside community-led proposals, as Stirling Council looks to identify new sites for the grassland management programme over the next 12 months.
The Environment, Transport and Net Zero committee was updated last Thursday (9 November) on the progress of the five-year strategy, introduced in February 2023 as a pillar of Stirling’s attempts to tackle the loss of habitats and species.
Six locations across the Stirling area participated in a pilot programme in 2021. This identified areas of open space and grass areas which could be left to naturalise or be planted with wild flowers to increase biodiversity.
Identified
A further 28 sites were adopted as pollinator sites earlier this year, including green spaces in Stirling, Callander, Thornhill, Killearn, Buchlyvie, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Cowie and Plean.
Marginal borders and informal grass paths were mown through identified pollinator sites to allow for access and walking.
Signage was erected at each site, detailing information on the pollinator strategy, with a QR code and website link directing the public to further details and resources.
The use of chemical pesticides and weedkillers was reduced and alternative methods of weed control were trialled.
All pollinator grass sites were also assessed for the proximity of litter bins to ensure litter and dog waste could be appropriately disposed.
Convener of the Environment, Transport and Net Zero committee, Cllr Jen Preston, said: “We have worked successfully alongside a range of groups and organisations to implement and develop the Stirling Pollinator Strategy and are pleased with the progress made to date.
“We are keen to identify further grass sites that can be managed for biodiversity in 2024/25 and will be consulting with local communities, as well as seeking community-led proposals.
“We have a statutory duty to further the conservation of biodiversity and help insects such as bees and butterflies thrive, as well as our wildflowers to flourish. It protects the local environment - and the planet.
“Our pollinator strategy will also provide higher quality green spaces and help bring people closer to nature, with the health and wellbeing benefits that provides.”
Planting
The committee was also told officers are identifying trial sites for 2024 where more pollinator friendly and perennial planting could be established to create habitat corridors in urban locations.
Almost 16,000 trees were planted across the Stirling area during winter 2022/23 and a further tree planting programme will take place in the coming months. The Council’s greenspace ranger team are also developing a programme of engagement with primary schools for 2024 about the pollinator strategy.
- Stirling Council spaces such as sports pitches, road junctions, active burial grounds, play park equipment areas, green spaces within school grounds, war memorials and event spaces continue to be maintained as previously.
- Stirling Council’s Pollinator Strategy 2023-28 is a pillar of Stirling’s attempts to tackle the global climate crisis
- Previous media release: Stirling’s Pollinator Strategy is ready for growth after Council go-ahead | Stirling Council