Volunteers step in to tame overgrown hedges and weeds in Vrå

A group of residents in Vrå, led by Anders Kragh of the local homeowners’ and business association, is forming a volunteer team to trim hedges, clear weeds, and maintain public walkways and shared spaces they say have grown unruly.

“It’s as if it’s become legal for hedges to spill half a metre onto the pavement, with weeds reaching up to the windows,” Kragh said, adding that a tidy town is essential to attract new residents.

The volunteers will focus on areas bordering public roads and emphasize they are not criticising the municipality or private property owners. With Hjørring Municipality facing budget constraints, Kragh argued public funds could be better spent than on grass-cutting and hedge-trimming.

Søren Homann, chair of the municipality’s Technical and Environmental Committee, welcomed the initiative. “We’re in a situation where we need to find significant savings, so this help is very welcome,” he said. Homann noted the municipality will continue its “Vild med vilje” (Wild by design) policy, which reduces mowing to support biodiversity and insect populations.