Posted on 19th Feb
Plans to lay wildflower seeds on Nottinghamshire’s grass verges have moved a step closer.
Nottinghamshire County Council highways partner Via East Midlands has so far planted more than 160 new trees along some of the county’s roadsides with plans for the same again this year. Sites have also been earmarked for the planting of wildflowers to help attract wildlife to the grass verges and improve the overall environment.
Sites identified include:
The A6097 East Bridgford junction.
The A608 verges at Sherwood Business Park, Mansfield.
Corkhill Lane, Southwell.
The council’s Communities and Place Committee has also heard about plans to work with Defra to plant 2.1m trees at the former Rufford Colliery site in Rainworth as part of the government’s Nature for Climate Fund project to provide a community forest in Nottinghamshire and boost woodland areas across England.
Coun John Cottee, chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “Reviewing our policy around how we manage the cutting of grass verges is a really important step to improve biodiversity, wildlife and encouraging wild flowers to grow. It’s also worth stressing the importance of ensuring this work fits with our road safety criteria too.
“I’m encouraged with the work proposed in the development of grass verges which have been identified with support from the Wildlife Trust and local councils where we will be undertaking works to promote wildflowers.
“This year our partner’s Via East Midlands have planted 160 new trees alongside the county’s roadsides and in the next year are looking to plant another 150. These trees will have a positive impact on our communities, not only providing environmental benefits, but also bringing the beauty of nature to our streets.
“We are also undertaking work with Defra as part of our green estate strategy and their Trees for Climate programme, which will see 2.1 million trees planted in Rufford Colliery and also Bentinck South, near Kirkby.
“These steps are taking us in the right direction to providing a better local environment for future Nottinghamshire residents.”
Coun Cottee added: “At the County Council’s Policy committee in March 2020 the council’s Corporate Environment Strategy was agreed and the environmental work we’ve discussed today fits with our ambitious aspirations.”
