97% of traditional meadows in Britain have been lost and we are facing a unprecedented decline in pollinators, according to the State of Nature Report 2019. There has also been a loss of species-rich grasslands in Winchester, the area of lowland calcareous calcareous grassland decreasing by 19% between 2005 and 2018.

Road verges are becoming increasingly more important for our wildlife - they could support 700 species of wildflowers. They also provide nectar and habitats for bees, insects and butterflies.

We are aiming to:

• Preserve and enhance biodiversity: in particular to enhance existing chalk grassland (part of one of Winchester’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats) to benefit native wildflower species and pollinating insects
• Enhance the public realm (aesthetics and visual interest)
• Raise awareness of the value of calcareous grassland, wildflower areas and appropriate management
• Benefit Health and Wellbeing

Rather than use special seed mixes for our seed beds, we’ve opted to work with existing seedbeds. Although it takes longer to create seas of flowers, working with the existing bed is better for biodiversity. It allows native flowers to set seed and supports wild flowers, bees, and animals living in the soil.

Working with local communities, we've identified pilot areas with suitable grassland containing a variety of native flowering species.

In these areas we are:

• Changing cutting regimes to allow flowers and grasses to grow and seed
• Removing the cuttings to bring fertility down
• Monitoring the increase of biodiversity
• Communicating our 'plans' to the general public.

Winchester wants to make changes which will last for decades. We're not interested in "quick wins". We want to support biodiversity long into the future. This means we need to be sure to properly manage the identified areas and ensure they produce results.

Thanks to their existing seed banks (and to interest and involvement locally!), we've chosen verges in Badger Farm and New Alresford.

We haven't chosen large areas of grassland to be part of our scheme. We want residents to be able to use those outdoor spaces for sports and leisure.

Any unsuitable areas included in this scheme will be reviewed. Their cutting regime will not be changed.

We are only in the second year of our project and we do plan to expand our plans across the district. Expansion will depend on lessons learned from the existing areas.

All changes will need to be agreed with both Hampshire County Council and our contractors, Idverde. Management of our grass areas is agreed in advance to keep costs reasonable. Additionally, WCC doesn’t own all grass areas and therefore is not responsible for managing some areas.

We can’t just stop cutting. Without any care at all, the verges won’t grow the desired wildflowers. They will grow vigorous grasses and plants, causing problems for road users. Additionally, scrub, shrubs and trees can develop, which will cause sight line issues. The health and safety of our road users is important to us, so a certain amount of cutting will always be necessary.

We’re not looking for instant results or quick wins when it comes to biodiversity. We want the best results. To achieve this, and to really benefit the area, it’s best to allow the existing seedbed a chance to seed and flower. This means we have to be patient, and wait a few years until we see verges blooming with wildflowers and fine grasses.  

• We have seen biodiversity gain with orchids flourishing on our pilot verges
• Several of the verges were found to have a fairly good potential for chalk grassland to develop
• Many of the verges had a good herb presence and moderate diversity in species
• Chalk grassland indicator species and notable species such as White Helleborine were also recorded in some verges