Bridgwater Town Council is launching a series of wilding initiatives across selected public green spaces. These areas will feature grass mazes and wildflower zones, aiming to promote sustainable use of green spaces and provide diverse habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
The wilding projects will introduce features such as grass mazes and wildflower-rich areas to several parks and open spaces in Bridgwater. The Council’s goal is to increase the environmental value of these areas while maintaining clean, accessible spaces for public use.
The following areas will benefit from these initiatives:
- Coronation Park: A grass maze will be located at the rear of the site, adjacent to the dog walking area.
- Ash Close: A grass maze will be situated in a location that does not interfere with pedestrian routes or football activities.
- Eastover Park: A grass maze will be positioned adjacent to the skate half-pipe.
- Browne’s Pond: Wilding zones, including long grasses and wildflowers, will be focused around the pond area.
- Brewery Field: Wilding areas with long grasses and wildflowers will encompass the site perimeter and the Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUD) feature.
- Victoria Park: A grass maze will be placed beside the skate ramps.
Additionally, a no-strim policy is being implemented around the bases of trees located on highway verges, where it does not pose a safety or visibility risk to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
This policy protects tree bark and root systems, promoting healthier and more robust tree development.
Adopting revised maintenance protocols, such as the no-strim policy, complements these environmental goals while also contributing to cost-effective service delivery.
Cllr Kathy Pearce said of the initiative:
“We are excited to launch these wilding initiatives, which will not only beautify our green spaces but also create vital habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. This is a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Bridgwater.”
Bridgwater Town Council is committed to enhancing the environmental value of its public open spaces. These initiatives represent a step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to grounds maintenance.
