More green spaces across Ashford could soon host wild meadows after the success of a pilot scheme in Queen Mother’s Park.

It's part of Ashford Borough Council's (ABC) plan to increase biodiversity in the town while connecting residents with nature.

Over the past six months, the grass and flowers in Queen Mother’s Park off Mace Lane have been left to grow under an ecological management plan.

While some have criticised the decision saying they expect the grass to be kept tidy, the council says it has received a 'very positive' reaction from residents pleased about the environmental benefits alongside the space for walkers through the cut pathways.

The council’s in-house landscape management service, Aspire, is now proposing to introduce more.

It promises it will not be a 'one size fits all' approach as some areas will continue to see high levels of horticulture for aesthetics.

It will produce Land Management Plans which also include street and urban tree planting, and the planting of hedgerows.

Cllr Andrew Buchanan, portfolio holder for environment and land management at ABC, said: “It is a great opportunity to carefully select areas to alter land management plans, developing biodiversity and engaging and educating our residents about the changes and the benefits.

“Never have our green spaces been more important to our community and never have we had a greater opportunity to bring our residents on the journey with us as we improve and enhance our open spaces, to ensure we leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

The cost of additional grass collection equipment to support the scheme is £40,000 which will be funded through the work Aspire undertakes for external companies.

The next stage of the development of Queen Mother's Park will be the installation of 40 specimen broad leafed mature trees across two planting seasons.

Signs and panels explaining why the grass has been left uncut will also be installed in key locations.

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