Grass left growing at one of the best-known parts of York’s Bar Walls does not mean they have been abandoned, officials have said - pledging the transformation will be worth the wait.
City of York Council officials told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the Bar Wall embankment by Station Road was in a transition phase before it becomes a wildflower meadow next spring.
Council ancient monuments manager Liam Dennis said the move away from regular mowing and planting was a step forward in protecting and conserving the historic structure and supporting wildlife.
But the sight of overgrown grass has sparked criticism from some including the authors of a petition who claim it and other rewilding efforts have seen some public spaces deteriorate.
The council’s Bar Walls project comes as part of efforts to improve sustainability in line with policies adopted in recent years including a Pollinator Strategy and Climate Emergency declaration.
Planting and cutting grass verges less often are also part of efforts to try and close a budget gap worth an estimated £30 million over the next three years.
Wildflowers are set to be planted at the Bar Walls in late September and October this year following recent studies.
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Officials hope they will begin to bloom in around May next year.
A mix of seeds designed to spread out the flowering of the plants is set to be chosen.
It is set to be maintained through a partnership including volunteers from York Cares which will allow the council to make use of expensive, specialist equipment it does not have.
The project is inspired by similar efforts to turn previously regularly landscaped embankments at prominent sites into wildflower meadows, including The Moat in Bloom at the Tower of London.
But the current overgrown state of York’s Bar Walls has provoked a backlash from some critics.
Its appearance has spawned a Change.org petition signed by 2,555 people as of Tuesday, August 27 calling for the council to restore a space it claims has become neglected.
The petition launched by Shane Sayner said: “The damage is not only aesthetic but also threatens the rich history and charm of our city.
“The grass banks now show signs of overgrown grass and weeds.”
Ancient monuments manager Mr Dennis said the Bar Walls were currently in a transition phase while more heat and rain brought on by climate change made its previous appearance less viable.
He added the new meadow look was the latest chapter in the management of the space around the walls which had been left growing naturally for much of its history.
Mr Dennis said: “One of the things that’s really special about the walls is that it’s a natural hub in the middle of the city, it’s home to rare species of orchids and it’s a really important habitat.
“Next year will be the real showstopper event, we know that location looking down along the walls to the river and the city is the Instagram shot of York, it’ll be carefully managed.
“This is the right thing to do, it’s a step forward for us.
“But it’s been really heartening to see people take such an interest in the city walls and to see their passion.”
Council environment and climate emergency executive member Cllr Jenny Kent said mowed grass and flower beds were no longer sustainable but officials recognised concerns over the embankment’s current appearance.
Cllr Kent said: “I’m not against lawns, I have one myself, but what we’ve found is that while they’re vital for playing football or bowls they’re not very good environmentally.
“We want that spot by the walls to look wonderful, we had empty flower beds and dead plants because of the heat last year, so even if we wanted to go back to that it would present challenges.
“The council’s also in real financial difficulty, we’ve got to look after all communities including the elderly and vulnerable so if you’re going to cut one verge then it becomes which one do you cut?
“We understand people’s concerns because if you look at it now it doesn’t look fantastic but the area hasn’t just been abandoned, this is going to pay dividends.”
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