Wildflowers gets the Borough buzzing
A number of roadside verges and traffic roundabouts are currently providing a stunning floral display of wildflowers following the sowing of wildflower seed mix in Autumn 2018 by Eastleigh Borough Council’s StreetScene team.
A trial planting was undertaken at the top of Allbrook Way and since then other verges have been planted with the aim of using wildflowers to help brighten up verges and roundabouts and also encourage more bees and other pollinating insects into the area. The StreetScene team headed up by Andy Whiting used two special seed mixes that are designed to be bee-friendly and/or to promote greater biodiversity.
Another benefit is that this approach also saves money on cutting and it is also an excellent solution for those areas that are harder to mow especially where works need temporary traffic controls, or where proximity to vehicles makes potentially hazardous to StreetScene team staff.
The Council’s social media channels have been inundated with some great comments from local people who are really enjoying the display of wildflowers and really support this initiative to support bees and other insects through wildflower planting. The Council is already planning to increase the number of areas that will be planted with wildflower seeds for 2020.