Grounds maintenance
The council undertakes routine grass cutting in urban areas, tree/hedge pruning and shrub/rose bed maintenance in any areas it is responsible for.
Continued bad weather may prevent work. Extended dry weather may make some grass cutting operations unnecessary.
The planting out of annual bedding takes place twice a year, in May and October. Hedge and tree pruning is carried out in line with best practice guidelines.
The council cuts hedges between September and February. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 includes for the protection of certain habitats. The RSPB sets out best practice guidelines. These state that hedges should never be cut during nesting season (between March and August).
Horticultural standards
The council manages parks centrally, delivering a high standard of horticultural maintenance. Mobile gardening teams regularly visit sites to ensure that standards are maintained at district and local parks.
The gardening staff ensure that the quality and range of horticultural features are all maintained appropriately. These include:
- grass areas
- litter collection
- flower and shrub beds
- hedges
- playgrounds
- outdoor sports facilities
Teams also make sure that standards of cleanliness and health and safety are achieved by regular inspection.
For more information please contact Neighbourhood and Environmental Services on 01724 297843 (Fax. 01724 271194).