Open Spaces Grass Cutting Contracts – Balanced Management Approach

Moretonhampstead Parish Council has rewritten all open spaces grass cutting contracts to ensure a balanced approach between maintenance and biodiversity.

Why This Approach?

This strategy ensures that:

• Frequently visited areas remain well-maintained
• Wildflowers and wildlife habitats are encouraged
• Road junction sight lines stay clear for safety
• The churchyard is cared for in line with Church of England guidance (Caring for God’s Acre)

Churchyard & Open Spaces Management

The Parish Council aims to:

• Promote biodiversity in verges and open spaces
• Support insect and small vertebrate habitats
• Maintain a neat appearance in regularly tended grave areas

This approach aligns with the Model Biodiversity Policy and the 2021 Environment Act.

The Parish Council is responsible for the Sentry; if your group or organisation wish to use the Sentry for an event please complete the Sentry Hirer Agreement and return to the Clerk.

The Parish Council secured the funding for the Play park in the Sentry and is responsible for its maintenance.

St Andrew’s Churchyard Grass Cutting Contract 2024-2027

Moretonhampstead Parish Council has awarded the churchyard maintenance contract to A R Rural Solutions as part of a balanced management approach that ensures a cared-for appearance while promoting biodiversity.

Grass Cutting Schedule

• Frequently visited areas (P, Q, pathways & 1m border) – Cut fortnightly (weather permitting)
• General areas (C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N) – Cut every four weeks
• Wildflower area (Q – no graves) – Cut once a year (late summer)
• Daffodil bank – Cut twice a year (after dieback & in October)
• Areas A & B – Cut twice a year (March & August) with cuttings removed
• Tree, hedge & bramble management – Pruned annually in consultation with the clerk

General Conditions

• Work must be scheduled in agreement with the council
• Grass cuttings to be managed appropriately
• Consideration given to church services, funerals & visitors
• Care taken around gravestones and memorials

The Sentry Grass Cutting Contract 2024 – 2027

The Parish Council has awarded the Sentry grass cutting contract to Mow Mow Tree and Gardening Services, and the maintenance will follow the schedule outlined below:

Grass Cutting Schedule

• Fortnightly Grass Cuts: Grass will be cut fortnightly (weather permitting) and when necessary.
• Tree, Hedge & Bramble Management: Trees, hedges, and brambles will be pruned and trimmed annually in consultation with the clerk.

Pound, Henge and Coronation Bench Grass Cutting Contract 2024 – 2027

The Parish Council has awarded the Pound, Henge and Coronation Bench grass cutting contract to A R Rural Solutions, and the maintenance will follow the schedule outlined below:

Grass Cutting Schedule

• Fortnightly Grass Cuts: Grass will be cut fortnightly (weather permitting) and when necessary.
• Tree, Hedge & Bramble Management: Trees, hedges, and brambles will be pruned and trimmed annually in consultation with the clerk.

Grass Verges Grass Cutting Contract 2024 – 2027

The Parish Council has awarded the Grass Verges grass cutting contract to A R Rural Solutions, and the maintenance will follow the schedule outlined below:

Grass Cutting Schedule

• 3 cuts per year (April, June, and August) for a 1m wide stretch of grass from the curb.
• A 4th cut from the curb to the bank in October.
• Arisings must be picked up after the final cut in October.

Areas to be Maintained

(a) Chagford Cross roundabout bench verge

(b) Chagford Cross roundabout

(c) Chagford Cross roundabout down Betton Way to the next roundabout (right-hand side)

(d) Chagford Cross roundabout down Betton Way to the first field gate (left-hand side) and from the first field gate to the school

(e) Chagford Cross roundabout down Ford Street to opposite the Embleford Crescent entrance (right-hand side)

(f) Below the School to the Swimming Pool verge – every 6 weeks from April to September