Advice on verges

[David Crook]

There is a Plantlife Verges advice document which you may find useful:
https://www.plantlife.org.uk/applicatio ... e_17_6.pdf

BeWild community group in Buckfastleigh are going to utilise seed from existing species-rich verges in the parish (we are lucky to have one long, really good one) to help seed other verges, where the soil/rock base is similar and we know the seed is more likely to work. We have selected a few other verges that are currently very grassy but in a good position (i.e. in sunny places with no large overhanging trees) which we will cut twice in the first year of a new management regime (when the grasses are at full height and before they set seed) to reduce soil fertility. In the second year, with soil fertility reduced, they may only need require one cut a year. Seeding of these verges: Yellow rattle will be added in the second year in rotavated patches, together with wildflower seeds (from other like-for-like verges, or local meadows).

If you have someone good at identifying plants in your community it is worth getting a plant survey, both in the community meadow and on the verges. They may be able to suggest other wildflowers that would do well on those sites and you could request them via the email exchange before having to buy any in.