Oxford grass cutting to increase following 'no mow' trial

Grass verges will be cut twice a year across Oxford

Grass will be mown more frequently in a city following local feedback about a "no mow" trial.

The pilot, by Oxfordshire County Council in 2023, meant roadside verges across the county were cut just once that year to promote biodiversity.

But Oxford City Council will now mow grass in its district, biannually, on behalf of the county.

Budget decisions and a "significant" response from residents prompted the change, the authority said.

Mowing grass less frequently encourages a greater variety of wildflowers to grow, the authority says

Grass verges across the city will now be mown in the summer and autumn, allowing wildflowers to complete their full lifecycle, which typically takes six to eight weeks. 

The county council's original scheme saw mowing take place once a year, in late summer.

Eight Oxford roads will be exempt - these formed part of the council's initial pilot and biodiversity was found to have increased.

They include:

• Marston Road

• Sunderland Avenue

• Headley Way (Oxford Road Bypass)

• The Roundway

• Bayswater Road

• Abingdon Road

• Abberbury roundabout

• Grenoble Road (larger verge section/ narrow verge section to be mowed to allow access)

Verges near road junctions where visibility is required all year round will continue to be mowed regularly, the council added.

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