Hamilton parks allowed to 'rewild' set to be mowed

A trial in Hamilton to allow some park space to rewild will end later this month when the grass is finally mowed.

Hamilton City Council parks delivery manager Duncan MacDougall said they had a range of goals for the trial, which allowed the grass to grow in parts of 13 different parks, including about 1 percent of the green space which was usually mowed.

"The trial aims to enhance biodiversity, create some spontaneous play opportunities in these parks, and look at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from mowing and associated activities."

In some parks the council added wildflowers to the naturally growing grasses and plants, so poppies and daisies could be seen flowering in some of the rewilded areas.

MacDougall said the trial will help the council evaluate land management techniques in the future.

The council will survey residents, measure greenhouse emissions from maintenance vehicles and collect biodiversity data to assess the no-mow trial' success.

The trial had so far received mixed feedback from the public.

"We've had a few people who have raised concerns, particularly about the visual amenity of the sites and the changes in the use from being an open space to a long grass area," MacDougall said.

However, he said the council had received letters of support from parents and dog walkers who were happy with the trial and supported the changes.

MacDougall said the areas would be finally mowed by the end of January.