West Betuwe kicks off spring mowing season with biodiversity in focus
Residents of West Betuwe will notice changes in public green spaces as the municipality begins its annual mowing routine. With a focus on biodiversity, mowing schedules vary to support plant growth and wildlife, while ensuring safety and neatness in urban and rural areas.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mowing Frequency (Built-up area) | Lawns: 18 times/year (March-October); Cycle paths/main routes: 5 times/year |
| Grass Height | 15-20 cm in some areas to promote biodiversity |
| Rural Verges | Mowed twice/year (May/June and September/October) |
| Ditches | Slopes trimmed once/year (September/October) with fish protection measures |
| Cemeteries | Mowed 24 times/year; edges twice/year for biodiversity |
| Grass Edges | Trimmed along roads/paths until end of April |
| Location | Municipality of West Betuwe, Gelderland |
The municipality of West Betuwe is responsible for maintaining public green spaces, balancing urban aesthetics, traffic safety, and ecological goals. By adjusting mowing practices, it aims to enhance biodiversity while keeping public areas functional and visually appealing for residents.
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We have started mowing
The grass is growing again. Not only in residents' gardens, but also in public spaces. The municipality is mowing the municipal verges and lawns. In the extensive area of the municipality of West Betuwe, there is a lot of grass to mow. It is a major task to organize this. We use different methods of working and pay attention to biodiversity. Below, we explain what this means and how we go about it.
Within the built-up area
We mow the lawns approximately 18 times a year during the period from March to October.
The strips along cycle paths, main routes, and larger grassy areas are mowed 5 times a year. This is in April, May, June, August, and October. The grass then grows to about 15 to 20 cm tall and looks slightly rougher. This allows other plant species to develop and bloom.
In some locations, for example at the edges of the built-up area, we mow and clear the grass twice a year. This allows other plant species to develop over the coming years.
Outside the built-up area
The verges outside the built-up area are mowed twice a year. The first mowing round is in May or June, the second in September or October. At some intersections, we mow more frequently because otherwise dangerous traffic situations could arise.
We also mow around obstacles twice a year. Benches are mowed more often. We do not mow around trees.
Mowing the ditches
The slopes of the ditches are trimmed once a year in September/October. We do this with a mowing basket, removing the cuttings. When mowing the ditches, we use a fish protector so that fish and other animals can find a safe place to stay in time.
Cemeteries
On the cemeteries, the quality standard is higher than in the villages and towns. Here, we mow the grass approximately 24 times a year. The grass edges on the outside of the cemeteries are mowed and cleared twice a year. This is a deliberate choice to also contribute to biodiversity here.
Trimming grass edges
We are currently trimming the grass edges along roads and paths. This makes the grass look neat again and prevents it from growing onto sidewalks, streets, and cycle paths. These works will continue until the end of April.