The programmes:

Reducing mowing along runways and on MoD grassland areas

The CUTAWAY programme for airports and MoD establishments would typically involve three applications of CUTAWAY over the course of the season.

In some instances the CUTAWAY programme may eliminate any need to cut. However, one cut in early June may be required to keep grassland tidy and limit grass seed food sources that encourage bird flocks.

Maintaining grass height below 12–15cm enables bird scaring practices to be more effective – including gas guns, aerial kites and flying hawks.

CUTAWAY can reduce the disruption of mowing and the risk of tractors operating on airfields. Fewer external contractors operating on site also reduces the cost and time of security monitoring.

Birdstrikes

The Civil Aviation Authority reports an average of over 1500 birdstrike incidences a year at UK airports, with the highest numbers of more than 200 a month in mid-summer when grass is growing and seeding.