A new study from our Psychology Department has found that people want grass to be mown less often and would like to see more wild green spaces but only if they look attractive.
The research, which surveyed more than 900 residents, workers, and visitors, shows strong public support for rewilding and other environmentally friendly land management practices, provided these spaces appear neat and visually pleasing.
Preference for more wild spaces
The findings challenge a common belief that residents prefer local authorities to maintain neatly trimmed lawns.
In fact, most people in the study supported less mowing, even though complaints to councils often suggest the opposite.
Researchers say this means councils may be hearing only from a small but vocal minority who dislike uncut grass, while the silent majority are happy to see wilder areas develop.
Beauty matters more than sustainability
Almost everyone surveyed said they cared deeply about the environment and were concerned about the effects of regular mowing on nature.
However, the research revealed that this concern did not predict whether people supported rewilding. Instead, the deciding factor was beauty.
People were more likely to support wild spaces if they thought they looked neat, colourful, and intentional, and were less supportive if they thought the areas appeared messy or abandoned.
The study findings show that beauty really matters. People may care about the environment, but they are much more likely to support changes to their local spaces if those areas look attractive and well cared for.
Helping councils plan greener spaces
The study suggests councils and environmental groups could increase public support by highlighting the beauty of wild spaces rather than focusing only on their ecological benefits.
Durham County Council will now explore ways of making wilder areas look more appealing, such as planting wildflowers, maintaining mown borders, or adding design features.
The aim is to help local authorities create green spaces that are both environmentally friendly and visually attractive.
