As the weather warms up, the grass along our roadsides and paths starts to grow - fast. That’s often when we hear questions like “Why hasn’t this been cut yet?” or “Who’s responsible for that verge?”
Grass cutting is one of the most visible services we provide, and one of the easiest to misunderstand. So here’s a simple guide to what happens, why it happens, and how parish and town councils can choose what works best for their area.
Why do we cut grass at all?
The short answer is safety.
Grass cutting on highways isn’t just about making verges look neat and tidy. It’s about keeping clear sight at junctions and bends and reducing risks to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
If grass doesn’t cause a safety issue, it won’t always be cut straight away – even if it looks long.
Common myths
“The grass has been missed”
Usually, it hasn’t.
Grass grows quickly in spring and early summer, especially after rain. Our teams work through a county‑wide programme, so some areas are cut earlier than others. Locations that affect road safety are always the priority.
Some areas, such as Eastbourne are cut over a period of approx 25 days, so it may be that one verge has been cut when a nearby one is scheduled for a few days time.
“Surely the council cuts all grass?”
Actually, responsibility is shared – which is where a lot of confusion comes from.
Different types of land are looked after by different organisations:
- Highway verges are maintained by East Sussex County Council / East Sussex Highways
- Parish and Town councils look after grass on land they own, such as village greens, play areas and cemeteries, however some areas choose to maintain their own verges too.
- Some grassed areas belong to district or borough councils.
- Others are privately owned, so not maintained by any council.
That’s why grass on one side of the road might look very different from the other.
“Why isn’t it cut just to look nicer?”
We don’t cut grass simply for appearance.
Every cut is planned around safety, cost and environmental impact. In some places, grass is left longer on purpose – for example:
- To protect wildflowers and pollinators
- To support wildlife and biodiversity
You may also see wildlife or meadow verges that follow a very specific, seasonal cutting pattern. These are marked by a yellow flower shaped sign.
“Why are the cuttings left behind?”
Grass cuttings are usually left where they fall. This reduces regrowth rates, is better for the environment and keeps costs down. Raking up, loading, transporting & getting rid of grass cuttings would also increase the cost of the grass cutting substantially.
In specialist areas, like wildlife verges, different methods may be used.
“Why don’t you follow No Mo May?”
We’re often asked why we don’t stop cutting grass during May to help wildlife. It’s a great question – and one we understand, especially as more people want to support nature.
Highway verges form part of the road network and must meet legal and safety requirements. Unlike a park or meadow, we must always be able to keep:
- Clear sightlines
- Safe access along footways
- Visibility around signs, junctions and crossings.
What choices do parish and town councils have?
Each year, parish and town councils can decide how their highway verges are managed. There are three options, and each gives a different balance of cost, control and frequency.
Option 1: Standard service (no cost to the parish)
This is the default option if no other choice is made.
- Two grass cuts a year
- Paid for by East Sussex County Council
- Focused on keeping roads and pavements safe
This provides a consistent, safety‑led standard across the county.
Option 2: Extra cuts paid for by the parish
If a parish would like grass cut more often, they can choose extra cuts.
- East Sussex Highways still delivers the work
- The parish or town council pays for the additional cuts
- Typically this means four extra cuts, giving six in total
Costs depend on the amount of grass being cut.
Option 3: Parish‑led grass cutting
This option gives parishes the most local control.
- The parish or town council manages all grass cutting
- The parish appoints its own contractor
- East Sussex County Council contributes funding equivalent to two standard cuts
- Contractors must meet highways safety and insurance requirements
This approach often suits parishes that want to use local contractors or tailor cutting to local preferences.
A few important things to know
- Safety always comes first. Even if a parish chooses a different option, grass will still be cut where it poses a safety risk, such as at junctions.
- Not all verges are included. Some grassed areas are privately owned or managed by other organisations.
- Wildlife verges are protected. Meadow and wildlife verges remain under the care of East Sussex County Council to protect important habitats.
For more information, including cutting schedules and parish options, visit What we do - Vegetation
A blog by Ian, Business Manager - Transport, Winter & Compliance