A growing number of complaints has reopened an ongoing debate around cutting grass and verges, with calls to leave many areas alone to help butterflies and birds thrive.

Members of Suffolk's Green Party are trying to change attitudes towards grass being left to grow long after receiving complaints. 

The party wants to "set the story straight" with a guide on meadow management.

It argues that meadow areas need to be seen as something to be proud of, rather than a sign of neglect and untidiness.

Green Party councillor, Dr Ross Piper, shared his concerns about bird species and insects affected by not having the right conditions to thrive.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dr Ross Piper while out filming in Burma has spoken of the benefits of leaving areas unmowed.Dr Ross Piper while out filming in Burma has spoken of the benefits of leaving areas unmowed. (Image: Archant)

He said: “The issue is generally about trying to encourage biodiversity; mown grass is no good for species, so many depend on longer grass and a greater variety of plant species, and you only get that in meadow-type habitats. Mown grass supports very few species.

“I am an entomologist, and we do it in our garden in Barking near Needham Market. Most of my garden is a meadow, so I cut it in March and then I leave it for the rest of the spring and summer, and then cut it in late July.

“Over a period of years, an area where you do this becomes more dominated by wildflowers, so you have more nectar sources for pollinated species, and habitats for other kinds of species.

The guidelines include giving the public time to adjust and get used to this new way of thinking, and making sure that the council's grass cutting team adjusts and knows when to leave plants and when to chop them down.

They also recognise that some areas need to be left to grow, while areas used for visibility, play, dog walking, or admired for their appearance should be catered for.

Cllr Piper continued: “The more plant species you have, the more insects you have, and the more insects you have the more birds and mammals will be able to find food in that area and use it.

“Bird species and small mammals also depend on insects for food, so we see the knock-on effect of these decline in the populations of these species, too. There's been a massive decline in some bird species in the last decade - house martins, for example, used to be very common in the UK.

East Anglian Daily Times: East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder showing off its Pardon the Weed sign.East Suffolk councillor James Mallinder showing off its Pardon the Weed sign. (Image: Archant)

“The obsession with a cut lawn is a historical hangover; it denoted wealth and status but it's not so good for nature.

“Butterfly species are an example of those that are negatively affected. They need nectar sources.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The Suffolk Green Party has released a guide to help the public cut through any confusion about mowing public land.The Suffolk Green Party has released a guide to help the public cut through any confusion about mowing public land. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Fellow councillor and ecologist Dr Dan Pratt said: “We need to do all we can to reverse the decline in biodiversity, including pollinators and other insects. Flora and fauna are under pressure from intensive agricultural practices, pollution, development and global temperature rise.

"All species need ways to find nearby habitat, stepping-stones and corridors that allow them to roam and reproduce. This will help ensure populations are maintained at sustainable levels.”

East Anglian Daily Times: SCC councillor Paul West.SCC councillor Paul West. (Image: Simon Lee Photography Suffolk UK)

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “Protecting Suffolk’s environment is one of the four strategic priorities of the county council, and as such means that we are always looking at our services to find ways of reducing carbon, encouraging biodiversity and ultimately improving Suffolk’s environment for its residents and visitors.

“Looking after our natural environment and keeping it tidy, whilst maintaining public safety on our roads, is a delicate balance. In Suffolk we do a lot to protect nature already and regularly look at ways to further improve our service for the benefit of all.

“We limit the amount of grass cutting we do, focussing mainly on maintaining good visibility at junctions and ensuring road and pavement widths are not reduced.

"In areas where there are no pavements, there may be a need to provide a safe refuge on the verge for pedestrians, particularly near busy roads.

“However, I am not in favour of stopping all cutting on roadside verges as I think it is important that safety is taken into account.”