Fifers are being urged to have their say over controversial ‘rewilding’ plans that will see some green areas of the region left to grow largely untouched.
Critics of the move have branded it a cost-cutting measure that could spoil the appearance of towns and villages but Fife Council say the approach will make grasslands more natural, increase biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
The local authority is holding an online consultation from October 19 to November 9 where people can look at proposals for their areas, share their views and take part in the wider discussion.
Councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of Fife’s environment and protective services sub-committee, said: “This consultation is about making positive change to the way we manage our grasslands.
“If we act on the proposals, we can begin to reduce carbon emissions, improve our biodiversity and make spaces where people and communities can connect with nature.”
He said the proposal affected just 10% of the grassland Fife Council manages . The remaining 90% will continue to be cut in the traditional way.
Fife Council says it is looking for opportunities to work with local communities to bring colour and life to back to areas of maintained grassland making them healthier places for people and wildlife to use and enjoy.
Other councils, including in Dundee, are embarking on similar programmes and organisations such as St Andrews University and St Andrews Botanic Gardens, are also re-examining how they manage their grasslands.
Proponents of the plan say less intensive grass cutting over the summer months and cutting and lifting grass in early autumn will cut carbon emissions by 10%, helping to meet the council’s target of a 40% reduction by 2030.
Mr Vettrainio added: “Many of us are keen to see healthy habitats for our wildlife such as birds, insects and small mammals and to walk and exercise in a natural environment.
“We know this has a big impact on improving our mental and physical health and wellbeing.”
The plans have come in for criticism in some areas.
Tom Kinnaird, who chairs Benarty Community Council, said: “My feeling is more folk would rather the grass got cut.
“At the moment, some areas only get one cut per year, which is standard. Some are not nice to look at. They’re certainly not beautiful landscapes.
“I do concede there are nice areas where they have planted wild flowers, but some areas will just be abandoned, because that’s what has happened here.”
Anyone wishing to view the proposals and air their views can do so by going to www.fife.gov.uk/grasslands.
