Concerns over wildflower meadow plans in Tuffley

People fear plans to plant a wildflower meadow in a Gloucester park could lead to children stepping on broken glass.

Gloucester City Council is in the process of planting a wildflower meadow at Randwick Park in Tuffley.

But some park users say the chosen area is currently well used by residents.

Litter in that area is picked up by walkers but they say if a wildflower meadow is created there it will remain hidden.

In future, they fear this could lead to children stepping on broken bottles and other rubbish and question why other unloved areas of the park were not considered.

“The park is enjoyed by people doing different things and they cohabit pretty well currently,” a resident who did not wish to be named said.

“The idea of wildflowers is good, it is the area chosen and what will also happen long term. The area is of very high footfall, it is easy to keep clean and clear of rubbish as it is.

“The majority of dog walkers pick up and will also pick up other people’s mess. This mess will increase as the ground cover will be more dense.

“Children throw rubbish going to and from school but most people assist in keeping the area tidy. Also bottles get thrown down from people coming home late at night.

“Because the area is tidy with short grass they can be seen and cleared away swiftly. Often bottles are broken which is dangerous but people tend to clear up as much as they can.

“When part of the highly used grass area is longer and dense, I hate to think what will happen to any dog or child who unwittingly may step on this broken glass as it will be hidden. We won’t see it.”

They also said the city council should use other parts of the park which need tidying.

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council, said: “This particular meadow will cover a small portion of the park, less than ten percent, intended to leave plenty of space for dog walking and other recreational activities with a mown grass path for access.

“We’ve received lots of positive comments about the plans and we’ve found similar schemes elsewhere have been popular.

“The wildflower meadow scheme is intended to create a more diverse and attractive landscape, bringing with it valuable ecology and wildlife benefits.

“It will see wildflowers, native trees and bulbs planted to boost wildlife and enhance community wellbeing.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk