LET it grow. That’s the message from BCP Council as part of a scheme to improve biodiversity in the area.

Changes in grass management for green spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been implemented following a trial agreed by the council last year.

The trial has seen the establishment of grass meadows in open spaces, on roundabouts and verges. Areas of grass have been cut less frequently this year to allow wildflowers to thrive across the conurbation.

BCP Council says that by reducing the frequency of mowing, biodiversity has improved, as have conditions that support a range of plants and wildlife, in particular pollinators which have suffered widespread decline.

Bee Orchids, which had previously been lying dormant for years, have now been spotted in Christchurch and Poole, while the Pyramidal Orchid has been seen across Mudeford and on the cliffs in Boscombe.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, said: “After creating green deserts for so many years, this trial is one that I fully support and it’s great to hear that these orchids have been given the chance to flower and reproduce, along with an array of other wildflowers and various insects.”

Schoolchildren from Merley, where almost 40 Bee Orchids were spotted, worked with the Merley Nature Group to raise awareness of the flowers by creating posters to put up next to the orchids.

However, the grass management trial has been criticised by some. The Daily Echo has recently published articles regarding overgrown conditions in local cemeteries.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Echo: “I am a resident of Falconer Drive, Hamworthy and the grass cutting on this estate is both farcical and without any thought or consideration for the residents.

“All this system does is make the whole area look unkempt, dirty, scruffy and a general mess.”

Cllr Anderson said: “We are passionate about leading our communities towards a cleaner, sustainable future and this trial helps enormously towards this priority.”

The new grass management trial will inform the future approach with ongoing reviews.