The importance of roadside verges
The public grassy areas alongside roads and footpaths are a frequently overlooked habitat for wildflowers - and for all the creatures that depend on our native plants.
Managing these areas in a way that promotes diversity and supports local wildlife is one of Wild Burwell's ongoing projects. We have worked with Burwell Parish Council to agree an improved mowing schedule for the verges in Burwell - allowing the existing wild plants to grow, flower and set seed during the spring and summer.
In 2024, the yearly number of verge cuts was reduced and no cuts were undertaken between April and June. A variety of common British wildflowers were observed to flower on the verges and especially on Pound Hill and Mill Close Green, where Wild Burwell volunteers raked up the cuttings after the July cut. Raking up the cuttings and disposing of them slowly reduces the fertility of the soil - allowing the more delicate wildflowers to compete against grasses and other vigorous plants that prefer fertile soils.
If you would like to see more wildflowers in your garden - and support bees, butterflies, birds and bats - try leaving areas of your lawn uncut over the summer. See what comes up! Even the humble dandelion is a very rich source of nectar and pollen. For more information about the importance of grasslands and how you can help local wildlife check out the charity Plantlife https://www.plantlife.org.uk/no-mow-may-can-your-garden-be-a-carbon-store/
