Smiltene launches natural meadow restoration experiment, sparks debate
The Smiltene municipality has deliberately stopped mowing two areas to restore natural meadows. Residents expressed mixed opinions, with some praising the initiative and others criticizing the inconsistency with rules for private property.
The Smiltene municipality has started an experiment this summer aimed at restoring natural meadows in urban spaces. In two locations – the Old Park near the memorial of poet Marika Svīķe and the lawn near the roundabout of Daugavas, Valkas, and Audēju streets – grass is not being mowed to allow plants to grow and seed. Mowing is planned only once in August, after the seeds have ripened.
The initiative was explained by Smiltene deputy Ģirts Freibergs, who posted a clarification on his Facebook page, sparking widespread discussion with both support and criticism. Kārlis Pētersons commented thanking for the initiative, emphasizing that biodiversity can only be preserved by allowing plants to grow and seed. He also praised the municipality's landscape architect Una Raiskuma.
However, Edijs Kokorevičs criticized the approach, pointing out the contradiction: private owners are fined for unmowed grass, while the municipality itself grows a "meadow" in the city center. Some commenters ironically suggested that residents could put up signs saying "natural meadow restoration" to avoid fines.
Smiltene has binding regulations requiring property owners to maintain adjacent public areas, including regular mowing. Failure to comply can result in a warning or a fine of up to 20 fine units for individuals and up to 50 fine units for legal entities.
The author of the original opinion piece expressed support for the experiment but noted that they mow their own garden regularly because it is necessary. They believe that a mix of well-mowed lawns and natural meadows in urban spaces would be interesting – life is not like a glossy magazine.
