Save the wildflowers

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
A significant contributory factor to my motorbike accident causing several fractures and me spending 8 months off work, was due to a van driver not being able to see along the main road I was on due to the overgrown verges.

The verges at the junction concerned have been immaculately cut down since my accident in 1983.

Whilst I understand the desire to have pretty flowers and such in the verges this needs to be balanced with road safety. So sorry I won't be voting for this campaign for the latter reason.
 

The Hawk

Well-Known Forumite
A significant contributory factor to my motorbike accident causing several fractures and me spending 8 months off work, was due to a van driver not being able to see along the main road I was on due to the overgrown verges.

The verges at the junction concerned have been immaculately cut down since my accident in 1983.

Whilst I understand the desire to have pretty flowers and such in the verges this needs to be balanced with road safety. So sorry I won't be voting for this campaign for the latter reason.
The campaign makes it clear that road safety comes first, otherwise I wouldn't have signed either:
Will road safety be compromised by managing verges for wildlife?
No. Safety comes first but with the size of most verges there should be no conflict with conservation. For many verges, a regular late summer cut and removal of clippings will keep the verge open, safe and thriving with interesting wildlife. Certain verges must be cut regularly to maintain clear lines of visibility – this is particularly crucial at junctions where a ‘visibility splay’ has to be maintained at all times. On some busy roads, this also applies to the first metre from the edge of the carriageway.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
The campaign makes it clear that road safety comes first, otherwise I wouldn't have signed either:
There are quite a few places, often at roundabouts, where planting is arranged to deliberately reduce visibility - to avoid people feeling confident enough to sweep in at higher speeds, having 'seen' that all is clear, only to meet somebody else in the same frame of mind from another direction.
 

gon2seed

(and me! - Ed)
Signed, completely understand hooperman's contribution, but it is not something I have ever considered. Having said that, shaving grass on verges must use a considerable amount of fuel and person hours to maintain to the level they sometimes do. My understanding is that wildflower full verges will remain un-mowed throughout the summer to allow the flowers to produce seed, and that they will have to been prepared to discourage grass growth in order to give the flowers the best chance of thriving. I imagine when choosing which seed mix to use in reseeding, vehicle lines and visibility will be taken into consideration. It will not be cheap, you can't just plant wild flowers in fast growing thick grass, the area (verge) needs to be prepared to enable the flowers to flourish. It has to be done safely, and as I have said if it is under those above, I believe it could be done. Whether it can be done economically is another matter! You would need to measure the cost of preparing suitable verges and maintaining them, against the long term savings off less regular mowing! I signed because a low growing flower rich sward is possible, the wildflower meadow at Millennium Green Derrington is an great example. Even though I expect it would prove more costly I think the environmental benefits would be worth it. If it ever happens, you better get used to scraping Insects off your windscreen! I am sure people have noticed how fewer 'splats' there have been as years go by. I think it would be a tiny price well worth paying! A significant increase in mini-beasts would have a massive effect on the environment and wildlife! Bring it On!
 
Last edited:

kyoto49

Well-Known Forumite
A significant contributory factor to my motorbike accident causing several fractures and me spending 8 months off work, was due to a van driver not being able to see along the main road I was on due to the overgrown verges.

The verges at the junction concerned have been immaculately cut down since my accident in 1983.

Whilst I understand the desire to have pretty flowers and such in the verges this needs to be balanced with road safety. So sorry I won't be voting for this campaign for the latter reason.


There are certain places the verges need to be cut but there are tens of thousands of miles that don't.

Motorcyclists are mown down daily on roads with no obstructions whatsoever.
 

gon2seed

(and me! - Ed)
I also think local councils ought to look at all the areas they are in control of. Rowley Park, for example has grass areas that could also be given this 'Wilding' approach, of course I am not including the sport playing areas, as you would have to mow them and sufficient space on the sidelines; but there are banks quiet corners, etc, that could be used. (I feel a letter to Freedom Leisure coming on! Ed)
 
Last edited:

Thehooperman

Well-Known Forumite
? Cos you said that overgrown verges were a factor in an accident you had so you wouldn't sign. I was pointing out that plenty of motorcyclists are mown down when there isn't flowers on the verge as well.

Sorry, I still can't see why this is relevant to the discussion.

I was merely explaining my reasons why I would not be signing the campaign. I wasn't suggesting that all motorbike accidents are caused by overgrown verges.

In my view a single road accident is one too many and I
am fully aware that there are many more reasons for motorcyclist accidents and fatalities including several close friends and acquaintances.

As @The Hawk stated they say to they are putting road safety first so let's hope they do this and understand the sighting distances required to see motorbikes and other road users.
 
Top