Managing Torfaen's grassland

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UPDATE

Published Tuesday 14th October, 2025.

Grassland managed for biodiversity will more than double by 2027

Over the next two years, 58 hectares over 127 sites will be added to the council’s environmentally-friendly and sustainable grassland management programme.

Currently 31.6 hectares over 51 sites across Torfaen are cut just once every year to increase biodiversity and help mitigate the impacts of climate change, including selected areas parks, verges and other green spaces.

Cabinet members approved the decision this week (14/1/0/25) following a public consultation in July, in which 64 per cent of people said they supported the proposals.

Pathways through large green spaces, play areas and verges next to roads and junctions are cut more often to ensure public access and safety.

Introducing a further 58 hectares into the scheme is not expected to increase operational costs and will support the borough’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

It comes as research has shown that insect populations have included 22 species of butterfly, 29 species of moth, 29 species of bees and wasps, 35 species of beetles and bugs, and 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies.

Thank you to everyone who shared their views in the consultation below.

This consultation is now closed.

How to have your say

Please have a read through the information on this page, watch the video, and complete the short survey.

There is also an interactive map below of the proposed and existing 'cut and collect' sites. This map enables you to drop a pin on any proposed site and add a comment, so please share your feedback here too.

Face-to-face drop-in consultation sessions

You're also welcome to drop-in and meet the team to find out more about the consultation. They’ll be at:

  • World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon on Tues 22 July (1pm-4.30pm)
  • Pontypool Market, Wed 23 July (1pm-4.30pm)
  • Cwmbran Library, Fri 25 July (1pm-4.30pm)

Survey closes at midnight Friday 15 August, 2025.

About the consultation

The purpose of this consultation is to gather your views on managing public green spaces, such as roadside verges and parks, to improve them for biodiversity.

Please note, the margins of all areas adjacent to roads and paths will be regularly cut. There are some FAQs on this page that cover many of the queries we receive.

The number of sites in Torfaen has grown over the past five years, and we are now consulting on further proposed areas to meet our statutory section 6 Biodiversity Duty, targets in the Climate and Nature Emergency and well-being objectives in the Council's County Plan.

About our approach to grassland management

Yellow rattle

Torfaen Council has been at the forefront of using considered grassland management in Wales in the past three years. Changes to mowing practices across the county borough have shown that, even in small spaces, how and when we mow can make a difference for wildlife and for well-being.

Since adopting the current grassland management approach in 2020, we have seen an increase in wildflowers, insects and other species. This approach reflects Welsh Government policy and guidance based on established evidence and a legal duty by local authorities in Wales.

Each year the programme has been expanded and has inspired other local authorities in Wales due to the benefits already seen and the way they help to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Please note: 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 to change this.

You can find out more by watching the short video below.


UPDATE

Published Tuesday 14th October, 2025.

Grassland managed for biodiversity will more than double by 2027

Over the next two years, 58 hectares over 127 sites will be added to the council’s environmentally-friendly and sustainable grassland management programme.

Currently 31.6 hectares over 51 sites across Torfaen are cut just once every year to increase biodiversity and help mitigate the impacts of climate change, including selected areas parks, verges and other green spaces.

Cabinet members approved the decision this week (14/1/0/25) following a public consultation in July, in which 64 per cent of people said they supported the proposals.

Pathways through large green spaces, play areas and verges next to roads and junctions are cut more often to ensure public access and safety.

Introducing a further 58 hectares into the scheme is not expected to increase operational costs and will support the borough’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

It comes as research has shown that insect populations have included 22 species of butterfly, 29 species of moth, 29 species of bees and wasps, 35 species of beetles and bugs, and 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies.

Thank you to everyone who shared their views in the consultation below.

This consultation is now closed.

How to have your say

Please have a read through the information on this page, watch the video, and complete the short survey.

There is also an interactive map below of the proposed and existing 'cut and collect' sites. This map enables you to drop a pin on any proposed site and add a comment, so please share your feedback here too.

Face-to-face drop-in consultation sessions

You're also welcome to drop-in and meet the team to find out more about the consultation. They’ll be at:

  • World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon on Tues 22 July (1pm-4.30pm)
  • Pontypool Market, Wed 23 July (1pm-4.30pm)
  • Cwmbran Library, Fri 25 July (1pm-4.30pm)

Survey closes at midnight Friday 15 August, 2025.

About the consultation

The purpose of this consultation is to gather your views on managing public green spaces, such as roadside verges and parks, to improve them for biodiversity.

Please note, the margins of all areas adjacent to roads and paths will be regularly cut. There are some FAQs on this page that cover many of the queries we receive.

The number of sites in Torfaen has grown over the past five years, and we are now consulting on further proposed areas to meet our statutory section 6 Biodiversity Duty, targets in the Climate and Nature Emergency and well-being objectives in the Council's County Plan.

About our approach to grassland management

Yellow rattle

Torfaen Council has been at the forefront of using considered grassland management in Wales in the past three years. Changes to mowing practices across the county borough have shown that, even in small spaces, how and when we mow can make a difference for wildlife and for well-being.

Since adopting the current grassland management approach in 2020, we have seen an increase in wildflowers, insects and other species. This approach reflects Welsh Government policy and guidance based on established evidence and a legal duty by local authorities in Wales.

Each year the programme has been expanded and has inspired other local authorities in Wales due to the benefits already seen and the way they help to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Please note: 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 to change this.

You can find out more by watching the short video below.


Page last updated: 14 Oct 2025, 01:52 PM