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Grass Management Plan

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Grassland Management Plan outlines a sustainable and adaptive approach to grassland maintenance, enabling Council to enhance biodiversity, optimise resource use, and support climate action while ensuring that our green spaces remain welcoming, safe, and well-maintained for all.

Grassland Management Plan

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council manages approximately 426 hectares of grassland across the Borough.

Council recognises the essential role that well-maintained and diverse green spaces play in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem health, and community well-being. To meet the unique needs of each site, we apply a variety of tailored horticultural management regimes.

Grass Cutting Schedules

Our grass-cutting operations are classified into two distinct maintenance schedules:

High-Use Amenity Areas – Cut Every 7 to10 Days:

Grass cutting in high-use amenity areas, such as public parks and frequently accessed open spaces, is carried out every 7 to 10 days to ensure these locations remain clean, safe, and accessible for public use.
General Amenity Areas – Cut Every 14 to 21 Days:

Grass cutting in general amenity areas is carried out every 14 to 21 days to maintain the functionality and appearance of open spaces used for informal recreation and general public access.

Meadow Managed Areas

Meadow areas are cut once a year, with mown paths to allow public access. This approach supports biodiversity by encouraging wildflowers, aiding pollinators, and enhancing habitat diversity through naturalised grassland management.

This Grassland Management Plan is designed to give residents and stakeholders a clear understanding of how we manage our green spaces. It reflects our commitment to balancing visual appeal with environmental sustainability, supporting climate action, and making effective use of Council resources. To learn more about how specific sites are managed, residents can explore our GIS mapping tool, which provides detailed information on local grassland management practices.

Residents can use our GIS mapping tool to explore specific sites and view tailored grassland management regimes.

Grassland Management Plan - FAQ's

What is Grassland Management?

Grassland management focuses on the strategic maintenance of grassy areas to support local biodiversity and make efficient use of Council resources. For example, we establish managed long meadows that not only enhance ecological diversity but also offer additional public open space for the community.
Why are Council changing the way grass is cut?
The changes are designed to:
- Increase biodiversity across the Borough
- Improve workload planning, allowing staff greater capacity
- Support climate change goals by reducing vehicle use and fuel consumption
How can I find out how grass is being managed in my area?
Please visit our interactive map and enter your postcode for specific details.

Interactive Map

Enter your postcode

Use the search box (top-left) to input your postcode. This zooms the map to your specific area.

Identify your grass cutting area

To view how the grass is cut in a certain area, enter the details (street name, postcode or place) into the text box in the top left corner, then press enter. You can use the + / - buttons shown to zoom in and out. The map is colour-coded to indicate type of management cuts
- Blue = High use amenity area
- Red = General amenity area
- Yellow = Meadow managed areas
Click on an area that you would like to see in more detail. A blue border will now become visible to highlight the area and information box will appear details grassland management arrangements for that area.
Can any grassland areas be cut more frequently than planned?

Our management plan prioritises biodiversity enhancement alongside creating attractive and accessible spaces. Cutting frequency is carefully planned to balance ecological and recreational needs.
Will annual wildflower mixes be used?

We are committed to a long-term approach using native wildflowers that establish over four years and require minimal maintenance thereafter. Annual wildflower mixes, while visually appealing initially, require yearly replanting, consume more resources, and offer limited biodiversity benefits compared to native species suited to our climate.
Can local communities get involved in creating wildflower patches?

Absolutely, community involvement is encouraged as a way to foster local engagement. If you are interested, please contact us at parksadminstration@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk with your details and the location of interest.
How will you ensure my local area is maintained and not neglected?

Each ward will be supported by an area-based team working closely with contractors to maintain pride and care within the community.
What is the purpose of managed long meadows?

Managed long meadows may appear less manicured but are crucial habitats for wildlife such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and the birds, bats, and hedgehogs that feed on them. These meadows deliver significant biodiversity benefits while remaining accessible through designated walking paths (desire lines). These long meadow areas will be cut annually.
Will the frequency or width of the cut desire lines be adjusted over time?

Desire lines provide safe, accessible walking routes. Cutting frequency will take place every 3 weeks, however, this will be depend on weather conditions. We will monitor to see if longer intervals between cuts are possible to support wildflowers. Initially, desire lines will be approximately 2 meters wide, with flexibility to adjust if necessary. Grass clippings will not need to be collected due to the cutting schedule.
Why not cut the entire grass area when staff and equipment are already onsite?

The intention behind longer grass areas is to support biodiversity. Edges and desire lines are maintained short to ensure accessibility and safety.
Is a 1-meter width sufficient for sight lines?

One meter is the standard width, but where safety considerations require wider clearances, these will be accommodated accordingly.
Are cemeteries included in this grassland management plan?

Cemeteries are not included in this grassland management plan. Instead, they operate under a separate, dedicated grass cutting schedule tailored specifically to the unique needs and sensitivities of these sites. Despite this separation, cemeteries are regularly monitored to ensure they are maintained to appropriate standards. This approach allows for the careful management of cemetery grounds, respecting their cultural and historical significance while ensuring they remain tidy and accessible.
Do you have a plan to manage weeds on streets?

Weed management on streets is the responsibility of the Department of Infrastructure. While the Council does not directly manage street weeds, community involvement plays a vital role in supporting these efforts. We encourage local residents to join “Friends of” groups, which help maintain and improve their neighbourhoods through volunteer activities. These groups provide an excellent opportunity for community members to contribute positively to their environment. For those interested in participating or seeking more information about these initiatives, please contact Council by emailing parksadministration@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
What about the maintenance of hedges and trees?

This plan focuses exclusively on grassland management. For hedge or tree concerns, please contact us at parksadminstration@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
What if I am unhappy with the grass cutting in my area?

We have carefully developed this plan with to balance ecological and community needs. We acknowledge differing views and encourage you to provide feedback via our website, specifying your concerns. We will review all submissions thoughtfully.