Work begins on wildflower scheme

WORK has started on a major wildflower project at sites across the district.

The locations selected by West Berkshire Council planners for enhancement are the Tesco roundabout on the A339 Sandleford Link, the roundabout on the junction of the A4/B4000 Stockcross Road and the verge at Cow Lane in East Ilsley

Wildflower Turf Ltd, a Basingstoke-based firm known for its work on such projects as the displays at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, has been commissioned for the task.

Special turf has already been laid in East Ilsley, with the roundabouts week.

It is hoped that, once completed, the displays will attract bees, butterflies and other wildlife.

They will require minimum maintenance throughout the year.

The council’s executive member for transport and countryside Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook) said: “It’s great to see this exciting project under way.

“Wildflowers offer so many benefits, not least because they are beautiful to look at.

“They are an environmental

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last winner too as they can provide vital refuge for many kinds of wildlife, from insects to reptiles, mammals and birds.

“The environment is a priority for everyone and as a council, we are working hard to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

“Our 2021-22 budget includes a £12.5m commitment to our Environment Strategy, which includes a council-owned solar farm and projects such as this one that will go towards meeting this vital environmental target.” n Volunteers help plant new wildflower meadow in Victoria Park – see page 21