Project Overview

FGS Agri was commissioned by The Royal Parks to undertake cut and collect operations across designated grassland areas within Greenwich Park, one of London’s most historic and visited green spaces.

This project formed part of The Royal Parks’ Biodiversity Framework — a long-term strategy to conserve existing habitats, restore struggling ones and create new opportunities for wildlife. The initiative aims to strengthen biodiversity and ecological resilience across all Royal Parks, ensuring these vital green spaces continue to thrive for future generations.

Project Requirements

The project required a sensitive and sustainable approach to grassland management that would:

• Encourage wildflower growth by reducing nutrient levels and suppressing vigorous grass species.
• Enhance biodiversity by creating a mosaic of habitats that provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
• Manage challenging terrain, including banked areas, safely and efficiently.
• Recycle organic material by returning cuttings to the park for composting and reuse, supporting a circular approach to land care.

The Solution

FGS Agri deployed a range of specialist equipment to deliver precise and efficient operations, including a Fendt tractor, flail mower, and robo cutter for steep or sensitive areas.

Our cut and collect method was chosen to reduce the dominance of coarse grasses and improve conditions for traditional meadow and wildflower species to re-establish. All cuttings were collected and composted within the park, closing the loop and returning nutrients back to the soil for future use.

Throughout the operation, FGS Agri worked closely with The Royal Parks’ management team to ensure that the works supported the goals of the Biodiversity Framework and complemented ongoing conservation efforts.

The Outcome

The project successfully supported the creation of species-rich grassland within Greenwich Park, helping to deliver the park’s biodiversity objectives.

Key outcomes included:

• Improved habitat diversity, creating conditions for a broader range of flora and fauna.
• Reduced cutting frequency over time, lowering disturbance to wildlife and minimising maintenance inputs.
• Closed-loop sustainability, with composted material reused within the park to enrich soil and support new growth.
• Visible ecological benefits, aligning with The Royal Parks’ mission to create a connected network of natural wildlife corridors and pollinator pathways across London.

Through this project, FGS Agri has demonstrated how practical land management can work hand in hand with biodiversity enhancement, ensuring that iconic landscapes like Greenwich Park continue to flourish.