The open spaces team manage well over 100 acres of public space around the town and thus have a key role in helping to combat the climate and environmental crisis. Further areas of public open space will be transferring to the Council in the near future as part of Section 106 agreements from new developments in the town. These will be managed to create greater biodiversity.
Much of the activity of the team is now focused on climate and environmental issues, some examples are listed below:
Recent purchase of an electric truck to replace an elderly diesel model
When their existing outdoor power tools, chainsaw, strimmer’s, hedge cutters etc reach the end of their useful life they will be replaced by battery electric models. This will be better for the operator, the environment and the climate.
The Council has created and manages 34 acres of new woodland planted with thousands of native saplings on previous farmland bequeathed to the Town Council by a generous local resident. The intervening grass rides have been sown with a wildflower mix which is allowed to grow and cut each Autumn.
Recently the team have planted over 206 m of native hedgerow along the borders of the new cemetery extension.
Our grass cutting contract has been modified to reduce the amount of short regular cuts to only those areas that are needed such as sports pitches and wander paths. Other grassy areas are left to grow long to provide cover and food for wildlife. Roadside verges under the control of Dunmow Council are being left longer to help pollinators provided there is no effect on road visibility.
The team are reducing/eliminating the use of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in land management to help increase insect populations and improve the soil microbiome.
This is an on-going committment.
