PUBLIC OPEN SPACE & VERGES IN BRIGG SUFFER DAMAGE

An extensive area of public open space in Brigg has been damaged as a result of chafer beetle grubs. Living beneath the surface, they are dug out by hungry birds - ruining the grass above. Some species of grubs also eat grass roots, it appears.
During the October meeting of Brigg Town Council, reference was made to York Road field (as locals call it) being kept well-trimmed and in good order by a contractor during the growing season earlier in the year.
Now, though, instead of the large field being in tip-top order, there are many brown patches of disturbed grass.
Brigg Blog has paid visits to monitor the situation and taken pictures to accompany a report on how things are since the grubs became evident. 

The field continues to be available to the public for recreational purposes, including dog-walking.
We gather that autumn and spring are the major times of year for chafer grub damage.
 

 

 

There are various ways to control the grubs and repair the damage, including re-turfing and re-sowing grass.
North Lincolnshire Council, which owns York Road's open space, has been aware of the grub infestation.
York Road field was not mentioned during Brigg Town Council's November meeting, held a few days ago.
Perhaps the grubs are also affecting grass in other parts of Brigg.
On Bigby Road we pictured some crows pecking at a verge not far from the Monument, which looks similar to parts of York Road field. Some grass on nearby St Helens Road (not pictured) also appears to be suffering.