Rewilding to improve Wiltshire's biodiversity
Keep your eyes peeled for more wildflower areas across the county
More new areas of rewilding will be popping up across Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Council is increasing the level of biodiversity to help improve the natural environment.
Areas will be left unmown to allow for rewilding to take place, as native flora and fauna are left to grow. Rewilding is aimed at restoring an area’s natural process, creating natural ecosystems that require little or no management.
BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO WILTSHIRE
The Council says that wildflower areas will not only increase biodiversity by creating vital habitats for insects and other wildlife, attracting natural pollinators such as bees, but also breathe new life and colour into the county’s roads and grassy areas.
Each designated area will receive a single cut in March and then be left uncut until September to allow the native fauna and wildflowers to thrive.
Areas such as corners and junctions on highways, along with amenity areas that have not been designated as wildflower areas, will still be cut on the usual schedule:
• Urban Mowing (within 30mph zones) - general grass areas, monthly between March – October
• Rural mowing (outside of 30mph zones) – visibility splays and narrow lanes, scheduled annual cut followed by reactive cuts as issues arise
Towns and parish councils were written to and asked to nominate grassed areas or public open spaces in their area that could be designated as wildflower meadow, for reduced cutting or left for rewilding.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Street Scene, said:
“We want to thank our towns and parish councils for helping us by nominating areas in their local communities to take part in this initiative. Adding rewilding and wildflower areas to our verges can help to reduce the likelihood of invasive species and also help native species to return – such as bees and other natural pollinators, reducing the need for artificial pesticides."
“Leaving areas for wildflowers and reduced mowing in other areas will also help to reduce our carbon footprint."
“We have tried to find a balance between keeping the highways safe, encouraging greater biodiversity whilst still allowing spaces for play and active sports."
“The increase in wildflower areas should also provide some beautiful visual displays, allowing people to connect with nature and help to improve wellbeing of people using our roads and open spaces.”
You can find more information on grass cutting and wildflower areas here.
If you'd like to nominate areas for wildflower spaces or rewilding, contact your town or parish council here.