Latest Parks and green spaces FAQs from Warwick District Council.

The grass on the football pitch

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:04:37 +0000

Question: The grass on the football pitch is so long that you can’t see the lines. What can be done?

Answer: Send us the details and an officer will inspect the pitch. Lines should be mowed out during the playing season and, once marked, should be visible from around 30m. If this is not the case, an officer will get in touch with our contractors and instruct them to correct the issue.

When will fallen leaves be removed from the park?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:03:35 +0000

Question: When will fallen leaves be removed from the park?

Answer: Leaves should be removed from priority areas, such as on steps, throughout leaf fall. Other areas are cleared in a four week period after all the leaves have fallen. In some parks, we move the leaves onto grassy areas, mulch them, and leave them to rot down. This provides nutrients for the grass.

When are the park’s bins emptied?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:02:37 +0000

Question: When are the park’s bins emptied?

Answer: Bins in parks and open spaces have a scheduled emptying frequency depending on their size and usage. At a minimum, bins should be emptied weekly but the busiest parks will have their bins emptied multiple times every day.

What is wrong with dumping garden waste?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:01:36 +0000

Question: What is wrong with dumping garden waste?

Answer: Dumping garden waste on a verge or in a public open space is fly-tipping and can lead to prosecution and a fine. It detracts from the area, causing more rubbish to be left there, and can encourage rats.

How often are play areas inspected?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:00:57 +0000

Question: How often are play areas inspected?

Answer: Our play areas are visually inspected by our contractors at least once a week and a more in-depth inspection is carried out to check the workings and safety of the equipment every month. An independent inspector undertakes an annual inspection of all play areas to ensure they conform to high safety standards. Some play areas, usually in rural areas, are not maintained by Warwick District Council. Please contact the appropriate Parish or Town Council.

When is meadow grass cut?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:59:47 +0000

Question: When is meadow grass cut?

Answer: Meadow grass is usually cut once a year - between August and October - after wildflowers have set seed. They are cut in accordance with good ecological practice. Some meadow areas are cut once every two years or are not cut at all; please contact us for specifics.

People keep parking their cars on the highway grass verge

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:58:31 +0000

Question: People keep parking their cars on the highway grass verge near my property which is making them unsightly. Can you repair them?

Answer: You need to contact the Warwickshire County Council about verge repairs. Warwick District Council only cut the vegetation within the verge.

Why are some areas of grass within the highway left long

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:57:36 +0000

Question: Why are some areas of grass within the highway left long while other grass is cut short?

Answer:

Some areas of highway grass are planted with crocus or daffodil bulbs and will not be cut until the bulb foliage has died down, approximately six weeks after flowering. In other areas, grass cutting is carried out a reduced level to encourage wildflowers whilst still ensuring pedestrian and driver safety.

Reduced Mowing Pilot – Park Hill, Kenilworth (Spring/Summer 2021)

A number of grassed areas in the Park Hill area of Kenilworth have been carefully selected to take part in a ‘No Mow’ pilot which will enable wildflowers to flourish and support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

The grassed areas in these locations will not be mown until late summer 2021, though essential mowing of sightlines for safety will still be done.

The pilot is being managed by volunteer group Bee Friendly Kenilworth (BFK) with the support of Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council. BFK volunteers will monitor the sites, recording wildflower and bee species and organise litter picking events to ensure the sites remain attractive and become mini havens for nature.

For more information please get in touch with Bee Friendly Kenilworth (BFK):

www.facebook.com/BeeFriendlyKenilworth/

bee.friendly.kenilworth@gmail.com

Why don’t you take grass cuttings away?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:55:32 +0000

Question: Why don’t you take grass cuttings away?

Answer: Removing the grass cuttings would more than double the cost of grass mowing. Leaving the cuttings is better for the grass; the cuttings rot down and release nutrients into the soil. The contractor is required to sweep away any cuttings that settle on footpaths while they are cutting the grass.

Why have you stopped grass cutting?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:54:29 +0000

Question: Why have you stopped grass cutting?

Answer: Grass cutting may be suspended during persistent wet weather. Continuing to mow could cause damage to the ground, create an eyesore or put the safety of mower operators at risk. Some areas in parks and open space are meadow grass, which is usually cut annually.

Why is the grass so long?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:53:31 +0000

Question: Why is the grass so long?

Answer:

Grass is cut at various frequencies depending on the nature and usage of a site, for example, meadows are usually cut annually, whilst grass verges are cut 10 times a year. Grass cutting usually takes place between April and March. The growth of grass is completely dependent on weather conditions and there are times when it will grow quicker than others. Schedules may vary slightly in extreme weather conditions. Whilst it is appreciated that some people would prefer to see grass cut more often there are also many who would like to see it cut much less frequently to enhance the environment and increase biodiversity. A number of factors are taken into account when developing the grounds maintenance schedules and it is reviewed regularly.

Electric mowing equipment

On 29th March 2021, the Council commenced a new grounds maintenance contract with idverde. The 8 year contract aims to be carbon neutral by 2025 and includes the introduction of a range of electric and zero-emission tools, from handsaws and mowers to ride-on tractors.

The level of electric equipment being used on a grounds maintenance contract of this nature is pioneering and there is full confidence that it can deliver the Council’s requirements and environmental objectives.

There is likely to be a period of adjustment in the initial months of the contract whilst we move to the use of electric mowers. Weather conditions, particularly when warm and wet, can have an impact on grass length which in turn can affect the efficiency of equipment. This may mean that we have to slow down grass cutting in order to reach the required standards. In these situations, the Council and idverde will work together to ensure the best use of resources to get things back on track.

Reduced Mowing Pilot – Park Hill, Kenilworth (Spring/Summer 2021)

The grassed areas in these locations will not be mown until late summer 2021, though essential mowing of sightlines for safety will still be done.

For more information please get in touch with Bee Friendly Kenilworth (BFK):

www.facebook.com/BeeFriendlyKenilworth/

bee.friendly.kenilworth@gmail.com

Why hasn't the grass been cut?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:52:05 +0000

Question: Why hasn't the grass been cut?

Answer: First, we must check whether the land is owned and maintained by the council. If the land is owned by someone else then it may not be our responsibility. If it is our responsibility, we ask the contractor why it is not being cut and act to rectify the issue. When we are made aware of missed grass, we will notify the contractor within the same day. Some areas in parks and open spaces are meadow grass, which is usually cut annually.

Is it OK to cut back shrubs on council land

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:51:05 +0000

Question: Is it OK to cut back shrubs on council land so that I can carry out work to my boundary?

Answer:

No - please arrange a site visit with a council officer who will advise you on the options available. Report a maintenance issue or phone 01926 456128 for more information.

How often are the shrubs pruned?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:49:55 +0000

Question: How often are the shrubs pruned?

Answer: This varies but shrubs are generally pruned if they are encroaching over paths. The frequency of cut depends on their growth and some shrubs will only be cut once a year. Shrub bed works generally take place over winter because it is good horticultural practice to do so.

How often are the hedges trimmed?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:48:56 +0000

Question: How often are the hedges trimmed?

Answer: If the hedge is Warwick District Council's responsibility it should be cut between July and November to avoid disturbing nesting birds. The frequency of cut is determined by how much the hedge grows and hedges are cut using good ecological and horticultural practice.

What precautions should the contractor take when spraying?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:47:08 +0000

Question: What precautions should the contractor take when spraying?

Answer: The operator should be certificated to apply the pesticide and should put out signs to warn the public. The operator should also be spraying responsibly.

Japanese knotweed/Himalayan balsam/giant hogweed/ragwort

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:46:08 +0000

Question: What do you do about Japanese knotweed/Himalayan balsam/giant hogweed/ragwort? How do I control it?

Answer:

The Royal Horticultural Society has some useful advice on controlling Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed and ragwort.

We endeavour to control Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed on council land where possible.

Ragwort is poisonous to cattle and horses but is a very important food source for over 70 insect species, around 30 of which use ragwort as their only food source. As a result, we do not remove ragwort from council land unless it is grazed by horses or cattle or near to grazed land.

Does the council use pesticides?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:43:16 +0000

Question: Does the council use pesticides?

Answer: We work within current legislation to minimise our pesticide use as much as possible.

Which chemicals do you use to kill weeds?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:42:30 +0000

Question: Which chemicals do you use to kill weeds?

Answer: We use a systemic biodegradable herbicide. This only works on green leaves and degrades on contact with soil. The herbicide is applied through a knapsack sprayer or a CDA sprayer. Glyphosate is the active ingredient.

How often is weed spraying carried out

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:41:38 +0000

Question: How often is weed spraying carried out on paths and hard surfaces?

Answer: Paths in parks and open spaces are sprayed when it is needed. Highway paths on the street are usually sprayed twice a year.

Who runs the fair in St Nicholas Park

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:40:43 +0000

Question: Who runs the fair in St Nicholas Park and when is it open?

Answer: The fair is run by a private contractor. All information, including opening times, can be found on the St Nicholas Park website.

Who runs the Glasshouse and other facilities in Jephson Gardens?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:36:56 +0000

Question: Who runs the Glasshouse and other facilities in Jephson Gardens?

Answer: The Glasshouse is run by Warwick District Council. All other attractions in Jephson Gardens are leased to private contractors.

Can I do metal detecting in the park?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:36:09 +0000

Question: Can I do metal detecting in the park?

Answer: Unfortunately, we do not allow metal detecting in any of our parks.

Can I access my property via the park

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:35:24 +0000

Question: Can I access my property via the park for my building/garden/tree works?

Answer:

Please contact us to discuss this using our online enquiry form.

Who do I contact about lost property?

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:33:51 +0000

Question: Who do I contact about lost property?

Answer: We do not have a central location where we store lost property. Please ask at the facilities in the park and consider checking at the local police station; it may have been handed in there.

Frequently Asked Questions: Parks

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:32:51 +0000

Question: What are my park’s opening times?

Answer: The only parks which are locked at night are Jephson Gardens and Mill Gardens in Leamington Spa. These parks are opened daily at 8am. Closing times vary between 4pm and 9pm depending on the time of year. Please check the entrance gates for current closing times. All other parks and open spaces are accessible at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions: Parks

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:20:28 +0000

Question: Who does your grounds maintenance?

Answer:

We use ID Verde (formally known as The Landscape Group).