Fri, 26 March 2021Philippa Harper 437 Views Edit
Work has started on a new wildflower project to enhance roundabouts and verges at three local locations.
The ‘Tesco’ roundabout on the A339 Sandleford Link, the roundabout on the junction of the A4/B4000 Stockcross Road, and the verge at Cow Lane in East Ilsley will all benefit from the laying of specialist wildflower turf. West Berkshire Council has appointed experts Wildflower Turf Ltd to create these eye-catching wildflower displays.
The turf that the Council will be using is ready planted as a roll containing immature wildflower plants and a healthy root network, to create an almost instant meadow. This will produce flowering plants from late spring to mid-autumn, creating a strong visual impact as well as helping to feed and shelter bees, butterflies, and other wildlife, with only limited maintenance throughout the year. Wildflower turf has already been laid in East Ilsley. The A339 and B4000 roundabouts are also being completed this week.
Richard Somner, West Berkshire’s Executive Member Transport and Countryside said:
“It’s great to see this exciting project underway. Wildflowers offer so many benefits, not least because they are beautiful to look at. They are an environmental winner too as they can provide vital refuge for many kinds of wildlife, from insects to reptiles, mammals and birds. The Environment is a priority for everyone and as a council, we are working hard to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.”