Residents across Monmouthshire are being invited to share their views on the council’s Nature Isn’t Neat programme, helping to shape how the initiative develops in the years ahead.
The Let’s Talk Nature Isn’t Neat survey runs until 31 October 2026 and is available on the council’s engagement and consultation platform, Let’s Talk Monmouthshire.
In green spaces across the county, grass and wildflowers are allowed to grow for longer, creating valuable habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. At the same time, paths, road sight-lines and recreation areas so they remain safe and accessible.
First piloted in Monmouth in 2019, Nature Isn’t Neat has since expanded across the county. The approach is helping to create healthier, more diverse grasslands that support wildlife, retain moisture during dry weather and absorb water during periods of heavy rainfall.
These richer grasslands also contribute to climate resilience by storing carbon, helping to cool built-up areas during hot weather, supporting people’s wellbeing through contact with nature, and creating landscapes that are better able to withstand increasingly extreme weather.
This year, the prolonged hot, dry conditions have presented challenges for grassland management. In response, Monmouthshire County Council has carried out its most extensive cut-and-collect programme to date to help maintain healthy grasslands and improve their resilience.
Careful management has also helped reduce the risk of grass fires through the use of management strips and targeted maintenance in higher-risk areas.
The council is keen to hear from residents about their experiences of Nature Isn’t Neat, what is working well and where improvements could be made.
Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “Nature Isn’t Neat plays an important role in supporting biodiversity across Monmouthshire while keeping our public spaces safe and accessible.
“It’s a different way of looking after these spaces, and it takes time for people to get used to a change like this. We want to hear residents’ views so we can continue improving the programme for both people and nature.”
Residents can complete the survey at: www.letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk
