Project Update

October 15, 2024

12 months have passed since this trial began. We've observed more diverse vegetation and more flowers in the trial plots. This should mean better habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects. We've also learned useful things about how different sites respond to a reduction in mowing.

These lessons have caused us to make some changes to the trial sites. The Fleming Park site will soon be returned to normal mowing. The Parker Reserve site, where growth has been poor, will move to a new site within Parker Reserve. The trial will continue at the remaining sites over the coming months.

In mid-October the first of 5 ecological surveys will take place at Gilpin Park. An ecologist will record the numbers and diversity of insects within the plot and outside the plot. The results will provide evidence to guide any future use of biodiversity-focused mowing in Merri-bek.

Biodiversity is in decline, what can we do?

A healthy ecosystem is a diverse one, with lots of different plants and animals. Unfortunately, the variety of living things in cities is declining. Cities need to do more to protect biodiversity.

Changing the way we mow the grass in our parks can help.

If we mow less often, more plants can flower. This provides food and habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects.

The importance of insects

Insects play a critical role in ecosystem function:

• Pollination
• Pest regulation
• Providing food for other animals
• Nutrient cycling for healthy soils

Merri-bek’s Nature Plan notes the critical role played by insects as part of the municipality’s biodiversity, and of the potential for small-scale interventions to enhance insect habitat.

What are we doing?

Merri-bek is conducting a trial to reduce how often we mow in small sections of some parks.

In the UK and Europe, reducing mowing in parks to support biodiversity is a common practice. This hasn’t yet been tested in Australia.

In this trial we are testing both the management implications and biodiversity outcomes of reduced mowing. We are also investigating what the community thinks of reducing mowing in certain areas.

After 12 months of collecting data, we will review the outcomes of each site. If successful, we will continue with reduced mowing.

A biodiversity mowing trial is an action item of the Merri-bek Nature Plan.

Tell us what you think

• Share your experience of a biodiversity mowing site below
• Call us on 9240 1111 to let us know your feedback

For this project, you can provide feedback on the locations chosen, and share your experience of the site. This will inform how we proceed after the trial.

What happens next

We'll collate and review the responses we receive. This will help us with future site selection for biodiversity mowing sites.