Verge of greatness
Re Christine Winborne’s letter about grass verges (Clippings, August issue): the parish council at Highnam, Gloucestershire, has been very forward thinking and earlier this year installed pathways bordering the roadside kerbs around the village.The borders are allowed to grow naturally during the summer and wildflower patches have been left to help the insect population.The pathways have also increased the amount of walkers, who are making new friends in the process.
Everyone – insects and people – are benefiting from the habitat, exercise and mental well-being the pathways are providing. Stewart Evans, Gloucestershire I was interested to read about the tensions caused by ‘No Mow May’ between councils and residents (August issue). Where we live in outer London, this campaign resulted in the whole borough looking shabby during the summer, as verges simply looked overgrown and untidy, so I can understand why many residents complained. More effort needs to be made by councils to raise awareness as to why they are participating in such campaigns so locals are informed as to its importance.
The money saved by not mowing could be put towards cultivating wildflowers in areas of no-mowing so they become a feature rather than an eyesore. Some councils are already doing this but the practice must be more widespread. Seas of wildflower meadows would be more appealing to the public than what is perceived as overgrown grass. With many councils underfunded and understaffed , perhaps local gardeners and schools could volunteer to run such a project. I would happily help with this! Paige Tynegate, by email