More verges set to be planted with wildflowers
COUNCIL WANTS MORE PARISHES TO JOIN SCHEME
MORE verges are to be planted with wildflowers to support pollinating insects and other wildlife.
Under the Leicestershire County Council plans, volunteers will weed, sow seeds and develop wildflower verges in their communities. So far, 40 parishes have signed up.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: “Creating and restoring more natural verges and reducing grass cutting across Leicestershire is an important part of the council’s work to conserve our natural environment.
“These verges provide valuable habitat for a diverse variety of wildlife and plant species in the county, as well as being a vital refuge for pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies.
“We hope to work with more parishes on this initiative in the future.”
He said the council is now looking for more villages and towns to join the scheme, which will also help the county towards net zero emissions by 2045.
This year, Leicestershire had 54 wildflower verges – the largest number so far – covering an area the size of two football pitches.
The verges are not mowed between April and August, giving the wildflowers the chance to bloom.
Local charity Nature Spot said it recorded 330 different species of wildflowers in the areas.
Parishes and communities wanting to take part in the scheme and create verges in 2022 are asked to contact the council’s environment team by emailing:
To be eligible, the verge must be owned and managed by the county council and must not obstruct road markings.
A free online introductory session will be held next month.