Grass Cutting Service Charter

What We Do

Tameside Council maintains Council-owned grassed areas, including:

• Parks and open spaces
• Highway verges
• Formal greenspaces and amenity areas
• Cemeteries 

We aim to cut most grass areas on a 2 to 3 weekly cycle between May and October, subject to weather, ground conditions and operational requirements.

Grass is cut using machinery appropriate to the size and nature of each site and is delivered through a planned cyclical maintenance programme.

Our Service Standards

We will:

• Maintain Council-owned amenity grassland throughout the growing season.
• Operate a planned programme of grass cutting from May to October.
• Use suitable equipment to ensure works are completed safely and efficiently.
• Monitor service delivery and respond to reported issues where appropriate.
• Seek to balance the needs of residents, visitors, recreation and biodiversity.

Areas Not Covered

The Council is not responsible for maintaining:

• Privately owned land
• Land owned by Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations)
• Commercial premises and private developments

The maintenance of these areas remains the responsibility of the landowner.

Biodiversity and Reduced Mowing

As part of the Council's commitment to tackling climate change, enhancing biodiversity and supporting nature recovery, some grassed areas are deliberately not cut. 
This approach helps:

• Create and improve wildlife habitats
• Support pollinators such as bees and butterflies
• Encourage wildflowers and native plant species
• Improve ecological connectivity across the borough

These areas are actively managed and are not considered neglected land.

Grass cutting in Countryside sites:

The Council carries out grass cutting along some path edges through its countryside sites on a monthly basis between May and October.  This grass cutting is important in keeping countryside paths clear for users whilst the frequency allows for the biodiversity benefits of slightly longer grass.

Grass Cuttings

The Council does not routinely collect grass cuttings following mowing operations. 

Weather and Operational Delays

Grass-cutting schedules are heavily dependent on weather and ground conditions. Periods of prolonged rainfall, drought, extreme weather or other operational priorities may result in delays to the planned programme.

Reporting a Problem

If you wish to report a grass-cutting issue or make an enquiry, please use: Report a problem to Tameside

Our Commitment

We are committed in providing a safe, clean and attractive environment while managing our green spaces in a sustainable way that supports residents, visitors and local wildlife.