Meadows and grasslands
Meadows are flower-rich grasslands that are left to grow long through spring and summer before being cut later in the year. They are one of the most valuable habitats for pollinators and support a wide range of insects, birds and small mammals.
This traditional management involves cutting in late summer or early autumn, with cut material removed after drying to allow seeds and insects to return to the ground. This helps wildflowers to establish and supports a rich diversity of wildlife.
They provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other insects, as well as shelter and breeding habitat for many species. Meadows also add seasonal colour and interest to parks and open spaces.
Alongside meadow creation and management, we also enhance grassland areas through seasonal bulb planting, providing early sources of nectar for pollinators in spring.
As part of our Biodiversity Action Plan, we are increasing the extent of meadow habitat and expanding spring bulb planting across the district.
Work so far
2024/25
- Grassland enhancement – An additional 4.25 hectares of grassland managed for nature (compared to 2023/24), equivalent to approximately 164 tennis courts.
- Ongoing meadow management – A total of 37.3 hectares of grassland managed as meadow (equivalent to around 52 standard-sized football pitches or 1,433 tennis courts).
- Seasonal bulb planting – Over 162,000 spring bulbs including daffodils, crocuses, wild garlic and snowdrops planted across parks and open spaces including Castle Farm, Eagle Recreation Ground, Myton Green, St Fremund’s Way and Tapping Way.
2025/26
- Grassland enhancement – An additional 2.77 hectares of grassland managed for nature (compared to 2024/25) - equivalent to approximately 100 tennis courts.
- Ongoing meadow management – A total of 39.9 hectares of grassland managed as meadow (equivalent to around 56 football pitches or approximately 1,530 tennis courts)
- Seasonal bulb planting – Over 139,000 spring bulbs including daffodils, crocuses and snake’s head fritillary planted across parks and open spaces including Harbury Lane Playing Fields, Twycross Walk, Cordelia Green, Lyttelton Road, St John’s Playing Fields, Redland Recreation Ground and parts of Sydenham.
Spotlight on Newbold Comyn
Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa is a much-loved green space close to the town centre, featuring a leisure centre, the former golf course and the Leam Valley Local Nature Reserve. We are delivering biodiversity improvements on the site as part of our commitment to enhance the site for wildlife following the installation of the cycle trails.
In April 2025, we began works to overseed some of the grassland areas within the old golf fairways to increase their habitat value. The area of grassland enhanced is equivalent to two and a half full-sized football pitches. A specially selected seed mix of native wildflowers and meadow grasses, including common knapweed, oxeye daisy, meadow buttercup and yellow rattle, was sown to encourage a rich and diverse meadow habitat.
These plants are vital for supporting pollinating insects, invertebrates and birds. Once the meadow is established, it will be managed with an annual meadow cut. However, during the first year, it may need more frequent cutting and the grass cuttings will be left on site to create habitat piles.
This work builds on recent planting projects at Newbold Comyn, which have included over 500 native trees, new meadow areas, and shrub planting near the cycle hub and 'learn to ride' area.
Find out about the other work we're doing: