Verges on Kenilworth roads to be mown once a year in wildflower trial

Three Kenilworth roads are taking part in a district-wide trial which will see the verges mown just once a year.
Warwick District Council (WDC) has announced the Wildflower Verge Trial as it looks to "create a district rich in nature".
Verges across the area are typically cut around 10 times a year, but the trial will see seven roads cut just once.
"We're trialling a new way of managing roadside verges by reducing mowing frequency and creating wildflower verges," WDC said.
"This will help increase biodiversity along our roadsides and provide better habitats for local wildlife.
"Currently, many verges are mowed up to 10 times a year, which removes flowers and seeds that could be beneficial to pollinators.
"By mowing less frequently and sowing wildflower seeds, we aim to improve habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as supporting other wildlife.
"This is a trial, and we'll be closely monitoring the results. If successful, we may extend this approach to other areas in the future."
The roads taking part are:
- Sydenham Drive, Leamington Spa
- Campion Green, Leamington Spa
- Beehive Hill, Kenilworth
- Leamington Road, Kenilworth
- Coventry Road, Kenilworth
- Purser Drive, Warwick
- Hampton Road, Warwick
Most of the roads in the trial will be cut just once in late summer or early autumn. Grass clippings will be removed to help encourage wildflowers.
Seeding will also take place in autumn.
The edge will still be mown "where visibility and safety are a priority".
Coventry Road will be mown three times a year - "this will ensure safety and visibility, as required" by Warwickshire County Council.
WDC has created a new webpage with more information on the Wildflower Verge Trial.
Share: