The Wildflower Verge Trial is part of Warwick District Council’s Biodiversity Action Programme to create a district rich in nature. We’re trialling a new way of managing roadside verges by reducing mowing frequency and creating wildflower verges. This will help increase biodiversity along our roadsides and provide better habitats for local wildlife.
Currently, many verges are mowed up to 10 times a year, which removes flowers and seeds that could be beneficial to pollinators. By mowing less frequently and sowing wildflower seeds, we aim to improve habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as supporting other wildlife.
This is a trial, and we’ll be closely monitoring the results. If successful, we may extend this approach to other areas in the future.
Where is the Wildflower Verge Trial taking place?
We’ve selected verges in seven areas of the district that are suitable for the trial based on factors like access, size, and potential for success. These areas include verges in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Warwick as listed below:
- Sydenham Drive, Leamington Spa
- Campion Green, Leamington Spa
- Beehive Hill, Kenilworth
- Leamington Road, Kenilworth
- Coventry Road, Kenilworth
- Purser Drive, Warwick
- Hampton Road, Warwick
To view a map of the verges included in the trial, please click on the links above.
How will the trial be managed on site?
As part of the trial, we will be making some changes to how the verges are maintained:
- Mowing frequency: The grass will be cut just once in late summer or early autumn to allow wildflowers to grow. After mowing, we’ll remove the grass clippings to prevent excess nutrients from building up in the soil, which can encourage grasses to outcompete wildflowers.
- Wildflower Seeding: In autumn, we will add native wildflower seeds to the areas where needed to encourage wildflower growth.
- Continued mowing around the perimeter of verges: A strip along the edge of most trial verges will continue to be mowed, especially along the road and in areas where visibility and safety are a priority, in line with advice from Warwickshire County Council (WCC) highways team.
- Exception for Coventry Road: Coventry Road will be managed differently. We’ll mow three times a year and use wildflowers that can handle more frequent mowing. This will ensure safety and visibility, as required by WCC.
These measures are designed to balance supporting wildlife with keeping roads safe and accessible.
Why is Warwick District Council doing this trial?
This trial is part of our commitment to improve biodiversity and create more green spaces for wildlife across the district. Warwick District Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and an Ecological Emergency in 2022. The aim is to protect and restore habitats, help wildlife move through connected spaces, and make our district a better place for nature.
What are the benefits of the trial?
- Better habitats for pollinators: By increasing wildflower meadows, we’ll provide more food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
- Greater variety of plants and wildlife: The trial will help grow a wider range of wildflowers and grasses, increasing biodiversity.
- Creating wildlife corridors: These areas will help connect other natural spaces, making it easier for wildlife to travel.
- Improved community wellbeing: Having more nature in urban areas can improve residents’ mental and physical health.
- Community involvement: We’re inviting residents to get involved with biodiversity surveys to track how plant species may change over time and to help seed the verges. If you’d like to get involved please get in touch with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at olivia.williams@wkwt.org.uk.
What are the challenges of the trial?
- Wildflower areas may look untidy: These areas might not look as neat or colourful as regularly mowed verges in the first year or two. Some weeds may appear, but we will monitor and manage them.
- Public perception: We know that not everyone may like the idea of "untidy" verges, so we will work on communicating that wildflower areas are important for wildlife, even if they don’t always look "neat."
- Road safety: We are working closely with Warwickshire County Council to ensure safety and visibility for road users. We will adjust our plans as needed to maintain road safety.
- Littering and maintenance: Keeping the verges clean will be a priority. We will monitor the areas and make sure they are well-maintained.
- Teething problems: As with any new initiative, there may be some initial challenges, but we will work with our grounds contractors to address any issues that arise.
How is this trial different from No Mow May?
No Mow May is a short-term pause in mowing to allow flowers to bloom, benefitting pollinators like bees and butterflies. While it’s a great way to give wildflowers a chance to grow, it’s a short-term approach that only provides benefits for one month.
In contrast, the Wildflower Verge Trial is a longer-term approach aimed at transforming how verges are managed throughout the entire growing season. Instead of pausing mowing just for one month, we are reducing mowing frequency for the entire growing season, from spring through to autumn. This gives wildflowers and other plants more time to establish and grow, creating better conditions for them to thrive.
How will I know what the trial will look like?
We understand that wildflower verges might look different from what people expect. While many think of wildflower areas as being full of colourful flowers, they may start off looking more like areas of long grass and other plants. These plants are still helpful for pollinators, even though they might not be as pretty as a full wildflower display.
Our goal is to create colourful wildflower areas over time, but how they look will depend on the site and what plants grow there. Some areas may take time to develop, and you might see more grasses or other plants at first. We’ll be monitoring the trial and making changes as needed to help improve the results.
Below are some examples of what the verges might look like: one with a more colourful display of wildflowers, and another showing how a verge might look in the earlier stages, with grasses and other plants still providing important benefits for wildlife.
Who is involved in this work?
Warwick District Council is working closely with several partners to design and implement this trial. These include Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, local Bee Friendly Groups and other local groups.
Who has been notified about this trial?
We’ve notified local councillors and town and parish councils about the trial. We’ve also sent letters to residents who live next to the selected verges to ensure everyone is informed.
How can I get involved in the trial?
We’re inviting residents to get involved with biodiversity surveys on the trial verges to track how plant species may change over time and to help seed the verges. If you’d like to get involved please get in touch with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at olivia.williams@wkwt.org.uk.
I have a verge that would be ideal as a wildflower verge – how can I let the Council know about it?
If you have a verge that you think would be suitable for future wildflower projects, please contact us using our general enquiry form below. While we are unable to include additional verges in the current trial, we will keep your suggestion in mind for any future expansion of the wildflower verge trial.
How can I provide feedback or ask questions?
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using our general enquiry form below. We will be gathering feedback from local residents and volunteers throughout the trial to assess its success and make any necessary changes.