Getting More By Doing Less

Councils, throughout the UK, are reducing the frequency of cutting of grassy areas under their control (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/10/went-to-mow-but-stopped-how-uk-cities-embraced-meadows-revolution-aoe). Reducing the mowing, allows many wildflowers to grow, giving opportunities to other wildlife. The areas don't even needed to be seeded (although some are), as seeds can be dormant in the soil for many years. A poppy seed, for example, can remain in the soil for 70 years before sprouting. The land area adjacent to roads and motorways is surprisingly extensive. This 'managed messiness' means that little meadow areas come back into existence. The meadows are attractive to people and increase biodiversity. Some management is, however, necessary to stop such areas eventually becoming scrub or even woodland.