How can we manage our grass areas in ways that benefit both people and biodiversity? That was the central theme when the City of Trollhättan hosted a traditional mowing event at Gården Åker, as part of the EXPBIO project.
Visitors didn’t just get to try their hand at traditional scything – the afternoon became a vibrant meeting place for knowledge sharing and collaboration:
- The local library showcased its seed library, where seeds can be borrowed and exchanged.
- The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation taught how to collect wild seeds to create new blooming environments.
- Kronan, one of the sites where we’ve established meadows in collaboration with the Gothenburg Botanical Garden and the “Så vilda” project, served as an inspiring example of how meadows can transform urban spaces.
We also took the opportunity to speak with residents of Trollhättan about their thoughts on grass management and how we can co-create flourishing spaces for pollinators and people alike. So far, over 70 residents have shared their ideas in an ongoing survey on the topic.
“By varying how we manage our grass areas, we can create more habitats for insects and plants. At the same time, we offer people new experiences of their local environment – something we see many truly appreciate,” says Emelie Andersson, municipal ecologist at the City of Trollhättan.
The event is part of EXPBIO’s broader efforts to test new methods and gather insights for the future of urban greenery.