Posted on: Thursday 17 July 2025
It’s mow joke, letting grass grow helps the planet.
Since 2020, the council has reduced the amount of mowing in more than 100 areas of grassland between April and September each year.
This wildlife-friendly approach provides habitats for animals and insets and increased pollination during summer and autumn. The plants also develop longer roots which aerate the soil and increase water drainage, helping to mitigate against the risk of flooding.
The council wants to reduce the frequency of mowing in more areas – apart from roads or pavements, which could impact road users, and sports pitches used for recreation.
If you would like to comment on a new area which could be left to flourish over the summer months, please complete a short survey on the Get Involved Torfaen website by Friday August 15. You can also comment on an interactive map highlighting current and proposed new sites.
Since it was introduced five years ago, Torfaen Council’s nature-friendly approach to mowing has seen more insects, wildflowers and general biodiversity across our grassland areas.This isn’t a cost saving exercise as there is a need to cut and collect grass from the areas during late summer – an established way of increasing biodiversity over time, hence proposals to increase the number of these sites.
Thanks to this success, residents and businesses in Torfaen are now being asked to have their say on plans to expand this approach to grass cutting.
Your views will help inform the way the council manages more of its green spaces to support biodiversity, one of many ways it works to address the climate and nature emergency.
Torfaen Council has been at the forefront of using a wildlife-friendly grassland management approach across Wales. Its selective mowing follows guidance and legislation from Welsh Government, balancing the needs of people with the needs of the local environment.
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment, said: “It’s been great to see an increase in wildflowers, insects and other species since we’ve been mowing in a more considered way. The approach reflects Welsh Government policy and guidance, based on established evidence, and it also enables the Council to demonstrate compliance with its legal obligations.
“Even in small spaces, how and when we mow can make a real difference for wildlife and for well-being.”
The council has confirmed that areas alongside roads and pavements will still be mown to ensure safety and visibility. In addition, as part of the council's wider Communities Approach, large areas of the borough are managed for sport and recreation, and there are no proposals for this to change.
If you would like to find out more you can attend a drop-in session at:
- World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon on Tues 22 July (1pm-4.30pm)
- Pontypool Market, Weds 23 July (1pm-4.30pm)
- Cwmbran Library, Fri 25 July (1pm-4.30pm)
Or visit Get Involved Torfaen to take part in the consultation.
This consultation closes at midnight on Friday 15 August.