Growing plans to support Melksham’s eco-system

WILDFLOWER areas could be created along the old main road from Melksham to Semington to support the eco-system.

A proposal to create the wildlife verges was put forward at the Melksham Without Parish Council meeting on Monday 16th January, by Wilts & Berks Canal Trust wildlife officer Howard Yardy.

The route of the old canal which ran from Semington through Melksham follows the road. The work would be part of the Trust’s Bee Route project where grassland is being developed into wildflower areas; the project launched last year following a grant of £25,000 from the Underwood Trust that funds projects positively impacting individuals and the environment.

Howard said, “Nationwide, over 97% of old wildflower hay meadows have been lost to modern farming methods since the 1930s. The result has been a disaster for insects and bird numbers. The need to feed a growing population means we must use every available non-productive space to recreate those wildflower areas. Road verges, parkland and other public spaces must be utilised.

“The Wilts & Berks canal has many areas along its route ripe for wildflower development including the wider towpaths.

“We will treat these areas like hay meadows. Cutting in early spring and then again after flower seeds have set and collect the mowings. We have used the grant to purchase a tractor and a special mower called a flail collector. This will make the task of producing meadows a lot easier.

“A healthy plant and insect life along the towpath means a healthier water course and the wildlife in it. We will be working with other environmental groups in a nationwide effort to reverse the trend of insect and bird population decline, working to provide a green and blue corridor starting at Semington junction to the Thames at Abingdon.

“Hedgerows define the boundary along the canal for much of the towpath. By rejuvenating and planting up gaps in these hedgerows, then sympathetic management will ensure that they provide food, shelter and nesting sites for a wide variety of wildlife.

“There are 270 different varieties of bees. This project is not just about bees though, it will be about helping all pollinators and insects in general. The whole eco-system can’t survive without insects and wildlife.”

Melksham Without Parish councillors voted to support the scheme.