Grounds Maintenance

We undertake various types of ground maintenance across Chippenham which cover a wide variety of uses. This maintenance includes seasonal work to maintain and enhance opportunities to create a green, clean, safe, and functional outdoor environment for the residents of Chippenham and the local community.

We work with partners and stakeholders to consider the addition of new trees and woodland areas. We have begun to implement the Tree Planting Policy which will see the number of trees double on land which Chippenham Town Council owns.

Opportunities have been taken to introduce renewable technology to use some battery-powered equipment for our grounds maintenance. We are also investigating ways that help us reduce waste and increase recycling within our operations.

There is an extensive list of tasks that are performed to ensure high-quality grounds work is achieved, these tasks include:

• Lawn maintenance
• Hedge cutting and maintenance
• Tree works
• Horticultural planting and displays
• Pruning, weeding, and the cultivation of shrub beds
• Cleansing of the town centre and open spaces

Wildlife Areas Map

This map shows the areas in Chippenham which are designated as Wildlife Areas in the Green Space Management Strategy.

Chippenham Town Council has an effective Green Space Management Strategy which has been developed in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and was adopted by the Amenities, Culture and Leisure Committee on 25 July 2024.

Green Space Management Strategy 2024
Tree Management Policies
Tree Planting Policy

No Mow May

The Town Council manages an extensive area of green open space, and it is not practical to pause the entire grass cutting round without grass becoming unmanageable, creating a situation where available resources would be unable to catch up effectively and deliver the standards desired. However, the 21 Wildlife Areas will not be cut in May.

Categories in the Green Space Management Strategy

Wildlife Areas

The Town Council wants to help our local wildlife survive the impacts of the climate and ecological crisis. We have identified specific areas which we will carefully manage and maintain to benefit wildlife. These areas will be mown less frequently and where practicable the grass cuttings will be removed. This will change the soil conditions with the aim over time to create the right conditions for wildflowers to grow. The longer grass and flowers will provide food and shelter for our bees, butterflies, and insects which will in turn support birds and small mammals, helping our wildlife to thrive within the urban landscape.

Take a look at the map below which identifies the locations of the Wildlife Areas: Areas designated as Wildlife Areas in the Green Space Management Strategy.

Play Areas and Open Spaces

Play areas are high-footfall areas and need regular maintenance to ensure the space is kept clean and safe for young children and families to enjoy.

There are many open spaces in Chippenham such as Kingsley Road, Monkton Park, Levi Park, Long Close, Riverside Drive, and Westmead, all are popular with the community for varied use. These spaces require regular maintenance to facilitate usage.
The aim is to cut the grass every 2-4 weeks from March – October depending on weather conditions and growth.

Roads and Verges

Roadside verges are adjacent to a highway and/or pavement. These areas are managed with the safety of road users and pedestrians in mind. Consideration is also given to accessibility of use enabling access for those who need it.
Examples of these include Avenue La Fleche, Bath Road, Malmesbury Road, and London Road.
The aim is to cut the grass every 2-4 weeks from March – October depending on weather conditions and growth.

Cemeteries

The grass at London Road Cemetery is maintained to enable easy access to all gravestones. Visitors’ preferences are to keep the grass short, however, there are areas around the cemetery that are left to grow longer.
The aim is to cut the grass every 2-4 weeks from March – October depending on weather conditions and growth.

Other Amenity Land

These are areas of grass around Chippenham that are uncategorised and are managed according to use, this would be a mixture of footfall, benefit to wildlife, and health and safety considerations.
The aim is to cut the grass every 2-4 weeks from March – October depending on weather conditions, growth and location.