Grass cutting in green areas

Parks grass cutting

Last updated: 19 July

Heatwave update

There are sections of some of our parks where we let the grass grow to aid biodiversity. These areas are usually only cut once a year in August.

On the advice of the London Fire Brigade, we will be cutting this grass earlier than planned due to the extreme weather conditions and the high risk of fires. 

BBQs are not permitted in any of our parks.

 

We have a dedicated team of staff who deal with grounds maintenance in our parks and this includes the grass cutting. 

The team work hard to ensure the popular areas in parks have a standardised cut, to create easy access for park users, whether walking their dog, exercising, playing or walking. 

There are sections of some of our parks where we let the grass grow and do not cut it. We are not neglecting these areas, but are leaving the grass longer because it has a positive impact on the environment.

When left to grow, long grass can become a home for a huge amount of animals and insects. We believe nurturing biodiversity is very important, especially in a city as big as London. We want Royal Greenwich to set an example for other boroughs and encourage wildlife to thrive in our green spaces.  

There are certain parks that have areas which we will not be mowing as regularly. We've created a map for each of these parks so it's clear where these wilder areas are.

Map Key:
'Amenity' - grass cut every two weeks
'Meadow' - grass cut every eight weeks and wildflowers and plants left to grow
'Conservation' - grass cut once a year to help wildlife thrive

Cemeteries grass cutting

Last updated: 30 March 2022

We have a dedicated team of grounds maintenance staff who cut the grass in our five cemeteries: Charlton, Greenwich, Eltham, Plumstead and Woolwich.

Specific areas of the cemeteries are managed as conservation areas and since their creation over 10 years ago, they have successfully encouraged wildflowers and wildlife in our cemeteries.

We only leave areas to grow around graves that no longer have registered next of kin. But if you think the grass around a grave that you visit is too overgrown, then email parks@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call 020 8856 0100.

Normally the team aims to work a regular cutting programme so that all areas of our cemeteries are cut once at eight week intervals.

The team is also trialling a new strimmer head, which will help cut the grass between graves and help minimise grass cuttings spreading onto the memorial stones.

Housing estate grass cutting

Last updated: 30 March 2022

We have dedicated teams who cut the grass and carry out other grounds maintenance work on the borough's housing estates.

Our housing estates are located in four areas within the borough and we aim to cut the grass to the same standard in each. If for any reason, we have unplanned lower staff numbers or reduced resources for a prolonged period in one area, then we will temporarily move our staff and resources to ensure grass cutting standards are maintained.