Grass Cutting is underway in your area

Grass cutting is in full force along the River Idle, you may see some of out field team out and about. Grass cutting is carried out with driven machinery, by hand or by remote controlled mowers, where slopes are steep or unsuitable for larger machines.

It is essential that flood defence embankments are kept in good condition, so they are mown regularly throughout the grass growing season.

Research has shown that the regular close mowing (5-10cm) of grass improves the strength of the root network and erosion resistance. Grass helps protect the earth embankment underneath from external erosion caused by rainfall, wind, currents, wave action, human and animal movement, and traffic.

Regular cutting also prevents broad leafed plants and woody vegetation from getting established. This vegetation could damage the embankment by root penetration, overturning, encouraging burrowing animals, discouraging adequate grass growth and concentrating flows, which then cause scour.