From short grass verges to green oasis

Utrecht University restores, strengthens and encourages the sustainable use of biodiversity. Also in its own area. To implement this, the Facility Service Centre (FSC) of Utrecht University has adjusted the green management of the grass verges and lawns in the Utrecht Science Park (USP). The short-mowed lawns will be transformed into green verges and fields buzzing with life by implementing phased and less frequent grass-mowing.

Ecological mowing management

The university will now manage verges and lawns in the entire Utrecht Science Park (USP) more ecologically. This means that verges and lawns will be mowed less often and in phases, and the appearance of the USP will be very different. The grass will be much longer and other species will flourish.

In the preliminary study last year, a raised blade of grass in front of the administration building was used as a test lawn. On the photo (1) you can see what this lawn looked like in summer by mowing less and in phases.

What will green management (FSC) be doing?

From now on, the verge area will only be mowed twice a year (in phases). Phased means that 15-30% of the grass is skipped each time. In this way, flowery areas can be spared, insects have a greater chance of survival and more variety is created. The edges of the verge surface will be kept short so that the road user can maintain an overview of the traffic.

Lawns will also be mowed in phases and much less frequently. From more than twenty times a year to twice a year. The edges will be mowed short, just like the verges.

What does ecological mowing management do for biodiversity in verges and lawns?

Roadside verges are multifunctional. They drain water, provide a natural separation and sometimes serve as a place of refuge in traffic. Roadside verges and lawns are extremely important for biodiversity because of their connecting function in the landscape. Roadside verges form a connection between the habitats of plants and animals, but can also serve as habitats themselves. They offer food, shelter and a place to reproduce. No less than 60% of all indigenous plant species in the Netherlands are found in roadside verges. Animal species, especially insects, also benefit from ecologically managed verges.

By mowing in phases, shelter, food and structure remain in the grass and not everything disappears during one mowing. This creates more variation, striking flowery areas can be spared and this offers a greater chance of survival for fauna. This ecological management also leads to a better soil structure, which improves drainage and water storage in the soil.

What will visitors and residents notice?

The grass will become longer and more variation in plants will come about. This will result in a more variegated, colourful landscape in the USP, creating more space for biodiversity.

Questions?

Please get in touch with the university via biodiversiteit@uu.nl