A KEEPHATCH resident is calling for the council to take responsibility in managing biodiversity.
Juliet Hurwitt wants Wokingham Borough Council to better care for British insects, and stop cutting green verges full of wild flowers.
She said: “At a time when we’re trying to help our endangered bees and butterflies, and gardeners are asked to leave an area of their gardens for nature, why has the council mowed most of the verges that were full of wild flowers that insects rely on?
“It was unnecessary and has greatly put the bees and butterflies’ survival at risk.
“I can understand mowing in parks where people walk, sit and play, but to decimate the verges that aren’t in anyone’s way is inexcusable.”
Instead, Ms Hurwitt suggested that the green spaces could be managed as miniature nature reserves.
A spokesperson from Wokingham Borough Council said: “We are really keen on helping to improve our biodiversity which is why we made a call to our residents in the previous Wokingham Borough News, Winter 2019 issue, requesting suggestions for suitable areas to introduce long grass and meadows.
“As with most things it’s important we get the right balance when we change grass cutting frequency as we are keen to keep recreation space available and the borough looking presentable, which can be a particular challenge regarding grass verges in suburban areas.”
But Ms Hurwitt said the council should take some responsibility for the decision making process on which areas are cut or preserved.
“They put out this call to residents last year, but what if you didn’t see the article?” she said.
“The council needs to use their common sense a bit when it comes to mowing these areas.
“I can understand parks, but not all verges and roundabouts.
“They say they’re helping the climate, but do the opposite. And they’re asking people to leave parts of their garden uncut for the insects, but they’re cutting it on their land.”
A spokesperson from WBC explained the reason for cutting more verges at the moment.
They said: “Particularly at the moment, we are conscious that a shorter grass verge may help to make it easier for residents to maintain social distancing and follow Government guidance.
“We are committed to improving wildlife habitats and are in the process of introducing wildflower areas in some of our parks and open spaces in Wokingham, Twyford, Woodley and Arborfield.
“We would welcome any suggestions for suitable locations, so we can work with residents to expand these areas and provide much needed habitats for our bees, butterflies and other invertebrates.”
But Mrs Hurwitt said that wild flower meadows don’t have to be specifically planted for them to be valuable.
“They’re not recognising what wild flowers are,” she said. “All of these verges are full of wild flowers and grasses, but they’re cutting them down.
“Last year in Cantley, there were beautiful sunflowers growing in the wild, and a few days later they had all been cut down.”
