Lindfield Parish Council is pleased to announce the launch of our grass verge pilot
Following requests from residents for grass verges in the village to be managed in a different way, we have been holding conversations with residents, as well as West Sussex County Council, which owns our verges, to find out what options are available. We have also been researching what happens elsewhere.
Why are we doing this?
There is a serious problem in this country of nature depletion and wildlife decline. Managing grass verges for nature is an important way of addressing this. The Wildlife Trusts (wildlifetrusts.org) states that ‘Road verges are particularly important during the spring and summer when a huge range of wildflowers and grasses provide a rich habitat for wildlife. While some road verges – particularly at junctions, certain bends or on busy roads – need to be cut for driver and pedestrian safety, many can simply be left to grow and remain uncut until late summer when seeds have set and insects have benefitted from the nectar and pollen.’
What are we doing?
We are aware that different areas of the village need to be managed in different ways and would like to reassure you that road safety will always be paramount. The trial will involve four verges, each one being managed in a different way. Please look out for our signs which will identify each verge. Alongside this, we will be planting wildflowers on part of Wilderness Field. We will be monitoring the difference to nature and wildlife on our verges and providing you with regular updates We would love to hear what you think about our project. Please complete our SurveyMonkey form or contact the Parish Council office to share your thoughts and feedback (climate@ lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk).