East Suffolk Council
Nature at Work Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nature at Work all about?
Our scheme, developed and delivered in partnership with Groundwork East, aims to support nature to thrive at over a hundred public sites across the district, by permitting flora to grow naturally during the growing season.
These pockets provide habitats for a variety of fauna and will boost local biodiversity.
In addition there is also a renewed focus on supporting schools, parish councils and community groups on the wider benefits nature-rich spaces can bring to local ecosystems.
Nature at Work sites will still be cut two times per year, mimicking natural processes.
Why are you doing this?
This drastic decline has severely impacted native plants, insects, birds, and small mammals. Nature at Work seeks to reverse this by creating and maintaining a network of small scale, species rich meadow habitats that support local biodiversity across east Suffolk.
What changes will I notice in these areas?
You may see some council-managed spaces where grass is allowed to grow longer, wildflowers are more visible, and signage is in place signifying the site's participation in Nature at Work.
These areas are usually mown only twice annually – typically at the beginning of spring and the end of summer – to promote biodiversity.
How can I identify, or find, a Nature at Work site?
Participating sites display distinctive signs with a QR code linking to more information about the scheme and how to get involved.
Nature at Work sites are shown on the interactive map. You can zoom and click on the dots on the map to find out more about each of the sites.
How are sites selected for Nature at Work?
Sites are assessed based on their ecological potential, location, community use, and connectivity to other habitats. Safety and access are also considered.
How does this scheme align with East Suffolk’s environmental goals?
Nature at Work contributes to East Suffolk Council’s wider goals of promoting sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing green spaces, and supporting community engagement with the natural environment.
It also contributes to the shared vision of the Greenprint Forum, the voluntary network of people and groups aspiring towards and taking action for the environment and the community across eastern Suffolk, in particular its stated goal of “Nature First”, where nature’s value is recognised by the majority and people actively care for it.
Can I request adjustments to the way an area left for nature is managed?
This year, we would only envisage making changes to the way a particular site is already managed as part of “Nature at Work” in exceptional circumstances. Once the current growing season has ended, we will review all of the feedback and information arising from this year’s approach to inform any potential changes, on a site-by-site basis, for the growing season of 2026. To assist with this process it is important that we record all feedback so that we can understand the views of the community.
If you would like to provide us with details specifying suggested changes, and the reasons for those changes, then this will help us when we come to review sites at the end of the current season, and ascertain what, if any, adjustments can be made while maintaining the biodiversity benefits of the site.
I have a suggestion for another site that could be managed for nature, how can I request this please?
We are always keen to explore opportunities for expanding the scheme.
If you would like to provide us with details about the site you’re proposing, including its location, size, ownership and any relevant permissions, any other current uses, and whether you are aware of any particular ecological interest at the site, this will help us assess if it aligns with the scope of the initiative and whether it might be possible to include it in future.
I don’t agree with this site being left for nature, please can you mow it regularly like other areas?
All of our Nature at Work sites have been selected carefully to support biodiversity and habitat creation whilst balancing other factors.
This year, we would only envisage making changes to the way a particular site is already managed as part of “Nature at Work” in exceptional circumstances. Once the current growing season has ended, we will review all of the feedback and information arising from this year’s approach to inform any potential changes, on a site-by-site basis, for the growing season of 2026. To assist with this process it is important that we record all feedback so that we can understand the views of the community.
If you would like to provide us with more details as to why you think the site should not be included under “Nature at Work” then this will help us when we come to review at the end of the current season, the continued inclusion, adjustment or otherwise of the site in 2026.
What impact is this having for biodiversity?
By allowing spaces to grow naturally, we are providing food and habitat for insects throughout their lifecycle, especially pollinators. These wild spaces also support birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fungi, providing food sources and shelter.
It can take a few years for nature to recover in any given area following the introduction of management approaches that are sympathetic to nature, so we should not expect results straight away at all sites.
We intend to monitor and collect data from as many of these sites as we can, so that we can maximise the use of data when we come to review the project at the end of the current growing season, whilst acknowledging that we cannot survey all of the 100 plus sites managed under the project.
We should also remember that not all biodiversity is immediately obvious or apparent – many wildflowers are small and subtle, and easily overlooked, but can be just as important to pollinators and others in an ecological community as the bigger and brighter species.
Are you planting or sowing these areas?
For the majority of these areas we are permitting nature to take its course so that the flora which would naturally be present in, and suited to, these areas have the chance to recover.
Can I help you survey a site?
We will be surveying selected sites during the spring and summer, and we would welcome voluntary offers of assistance, where appropriate. If you would like to help us survey a site, please get in touch, mentioning which site(s) you might be interested in surveying and any experience in identification of flora that you might already have.
Will you rake the clippings up when cut at the end of the season?
Unfortunately, we do not currently have the resources to conduct raking of the clippings after the cut at the end of the season, though we appreciate this would be beneficial to the development of wild flora by helping to reduce over-enrichment of the soil.
I own a patch of land that I leave for nature, please can I have one of your signs?
If you would like to provide us with details about the site, including its location, size, and whether you are aware of any particular ecological interest at the site, this will help us assess whether it aligns with the scope of the initiative and whether it might be possible to include it.
Will longer grass make the area look untidy?
These areas may look different, but they’re designed to mimic natural habitats. The goal is ecological value, not ornamental neatness. Paths and safety lines will still be maintained.
What about safety and visibility?
Grass near road junctions, pavements, and high-traffic areas will continue to be trimmed to ensure clear visibility and access.
Where can I find more information?
You can find detailed information, a map showing locations of the sites, and resources on the Nature at Work page of East Suffolk Council’s website.