In a bid to help combat the consequences of the UKs "drastically declining" insect population, Congleton Town Council, with support from residents is set to try out a new approach to grass cutting starting with 13 pilot areas.

The council is "determined to protect and improve" Congleton's natural environment and this "simple" change to its mowing regimes is a "progressive" move towards a "better management" of their grass areas to facilitate the ideal habitats for bees and other pollinating insects.

A Congleton Town Council spokesperson said: "With a third of our food crops and as many as 87% of other plants pollinated by insects there is a lot to lose.

"Much of our wildlife, be it birds, bats, amphibians, small mammals, or fish rely on insects for food. Without them we risk the collapse of our natural world."

Besides it being a legal duty of the council, they [Congleton Town Council] are keen to conserve and enhance biodiversity within council manged areas.

Ruth Burgess, streetscape development manager said: "This is an exciting opportunity to create attractive open spaces for people and wildlife that will become an important local resource.

"Instead of mowing fortnightly to keep grass short and reducing flowers and wildlife from flourishing, we will look to alter the grass and flower mix to encourage the growth of diverse wildflowers.

"These areas will be cut twice a year to get rid of dead vegetation and prevent the plants from growing too tall.

"Residents living near to the 13 sites will be contacted and we are looking forward to working with them regarding the proposals."