Gloucestershire County Council has been planting wild flowers around the county to increase biodiversity in local verges and to reduce the number of grass cuts required.

Planting of wild flower seeds has taken place on Corinium Avenue, Westgate Island, Cole Avenue, Southern Avenue and Heron Way.

Wild flower planting is done in conjunction with grass cutting. Only a certain amount of grass is cut back to improve visibility for road safety. Some verges are left uncut, where important species are present.

Councillor Vernon Smith, Cabinet member for highways and flood said, “We are pleased to be able to work with Gloucester City Council for this trial and we have significantly increased the area of planting from last year. The wild flowers are great for wildlife and inject a welcome splash of colour in the urban areas and can also be cost effective and an attractive way to reduce the amount of grass cutting on roadside verges. We are currently working with Cheltenham Borough Council to undertake a similar trial there next year.”