Council / Robotic mowers could be trialled in some burial grounds
ROBOTIC lawnmowers which could reduce costs and resource demand compared to traditional grasscutting could be trialled in a few Shetland graveyards.
The mowers could be tried out in the Tingwall and Sandwick burial grounds, due to their large size requiring higher grass cutting resource and because an electrical source can be provided.
The Quarff burial ground could also be trialled to evaluate how the robotic mowers perform in smaller locations.
Other benefits could include “neater grass aesthetic” due to daily cutting, weed reduction, less noise pollution and a lower carbon footprint.
The update is provided in a report to councillors on the SIC’s environment and transport committee next week.
It comes after a wider review of burial services in Shetland in consultation with communities, with a new policy being put to councillors for consideration next week.
Elected members will also be asked to agree that external funding for a feasibility study for developing or supporting a natural burial ground should be pursued. However, it is recommended that crematorium or a alkaline hydrolysis (resomation) facility is not pursued at this point.
It comes amid a significant shortfall in staffing numbers in Shetland Islands Council’s burial services team, and increasing pressure on maintenance obligations.
If the robotic mowing trial – which cost could £75,000 – was a success then other burial grounds could be considered, and solar powered mowers could be trialled too.
If it is not a success then future grass cutting schedules “will be reviewed or charges increased”.
The report to councillors said mowers would be programmed suit the conditions of the location and be in consideration of service users – with the equipment potentially operating in the night.
Clear signage would be installed to notify visitors.
People would still be able to visit burial grounds being mowed. “The mower cannot cause you any harm. If it is in the vicinity of your visit, please step aside and be patient until it continues on its way,” the report said.
Folk are advised that robotic mowers move slowly.
They would not be in operation during funerals. A temporary border would be placed around funeral flowers and the mower would be programmed to exclude any of these flower areas.
The report adds that the mower would be programmed to avoid floral or memorial tributes.
The mowers, which would automatically return to a charging station when low on battery, would operate from April to around mid-November.
An FAQ included in the report to councillors asks: “what about hedgehogs?”
“The mower detects obstructions in front of it and either slows down and avoids them or slows and gently bumps the obstruction before reversing and taking another route around the obstruction,” it says.
It also noters that robotic mowers would have GPS so if they are stolen they can be tracked.
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