A local resident and nature volunteer has raised concerns after grassland beside the A350 was cut back, damaging what he describes as a ‘haven’ for wildlife.
The area, near the Dick Lovett BMW showroom, has been left ‘scalped’ in some places, according to Howard Yardy, a volunteer with local nature groups. He says the mowing has destroyed a once-thriving habitat for wildflowers, insects and butterflies.
He said, “Over the past few years I’ve seen this area develop into a wildflower haven. It’s usually been mown at the correct time of year, allowing plants to flower and seed, further enhancing its development into a flower meadow-type environment.
“I was stunned to see most of the flower heads have been cut off before they were allowed to bloom.
“This is the one spot I always see marbled white butterflies. I know that won’t mean much to most people, but like most butterflies they are struggling — and removing their habitat for aesthetic reasons is one of the reasons the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. That’s according to Sir David Attenborough, so it must be right.”
Howard believes the verge should only be mown between mid-August and mid-March and that at this time of year councils, highway teams and gardeners should be taking part in No Mow May, a scheme which encourages people to let grasslands grow freely inviting various pollinators and insects to thrive.
“In late spring and summer, that verge should be in full bloom – and it’s great for wildlife,” says Howard.
The land is managed by Wiltshire Council’s Highways team, but the council says its contractors were not responsible for mowing the area.
Samantha Howell, director of highways and transport at Wiltshire Council, said, “We know the benefits of roadside verges for biodiversity, and we follow a maintenance programme that promotes this roadside ecology. The area in question has not been mowed by Wiltshire Council contractors, and we are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the cutting.”
Head of business at Dick Lovett BMW Melksham says the company also has not undertaken the works either. Leon Vitti said, “We are only responsible for landscaping within our boundaries, so this isn’t something we have instructed or undertaken.”
