Eight miles of wildflowers have been planted in Rotherham.
A long-running campaign encouraging councils to let neatly-mown grass verges become mini meadows where wildflowers and wildlife can flourish appears to be building up a head of steam.
Since 2013, Plantlife has been telling authorities the move could help them save money and boost their green credentials.
Several have taken the message on board. An eight-mile “river of flowers” alongside a major route in Rotherham was widely praised on social media recently and roadside meadows have also popped up in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Birmingham, Newcastle and Sheffield.
- Read the full article at BBC News.
What a wonderful idea! But here in Canada we have some “wild” Purple Loosestrife that totally take over the roadsides. They are an invasive species from Europe and Asia, and they are unwanted, and make a roadside wildflower garden highly unlikely.
Invasive species are a problem, but this just means some management is needed, just as with forest areas, etc, with similar problems.
At least there’d be good vehicular access :-).
Visiting New Milton, Hampshire from overseas – absolutely stunned by the wild flower verges. Wonderful initiative and great work New Milton Council and corporate sponsors.
Inspiration for the soul:)
I saw something similar in New Zealand. Middle of highway: wildflowers for miles. SOOO nice.
Good for the soul! I think we need this more now than ever. Thank you for connecting Linda.
The wild flowers are absolutely glorious! We need to do that here in Canada, as well. We do have some places here in Nova Scotia but not quite as bountiful as yours. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you Debbie – just today fighting with local Road department who are indeed spraying Roundup on the curbs in our area again. Unbelievable. Good to hear from you from SO far!
Who decides as to what constitutes a weed.
Good question – most of them are medicinal, beneficial, well adapted plants that should be treasured.