Transport for London (TfL) has selected new sites where mowing frequency will be reduced, following trials.
The transport authority said the move will boost biodiversity by encouraging wildflowers, which flowers create a supply of nectar and other food resources, plus shelter, for wildlife including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals.
Trial sites, which included Redbridge Roundabout, Rowley Lane roundabout on the A1 and along the A40 in Hillingdon, were assessed by TfL’s in-house environmental and asset management teams.
The new locations will increase the area being managed this way to almost 130,000 square metres – the equivalent of more than 18 football pitches – and include Gants Hill roundabout in Redbridge, Clockhouse roundabout in Feltham and on the A21 Sevenoaks Road (Green Street Green) in Bromley.
TfL said wildflower verges take several years to fully develop and are in bloom for a limited period of the year and that it will continue to maintain these verges, but mowing will be timed to allow wildflowers to grow, with edges regularly mowed to ensure they remain safe for passing drivers.
Signage will also be installed helping to make clear that the sites are being managed to encourage wildflower growth.
Lilli Matson, chief safety, health and environment officer at TfL, said: ’We are committed to building a network that is resilient to climate change and promotes biodiversity while being safe and reliable for Londoners.
‘The new wildflower verges will encourage biodiversity and make London a more liveable and nature-rich city. We will continue to work with our partners to adapt our network to reduce the short and long-term impacts of climate change.’
TfL said it will be keeping all sites under review and also looking at whether additional sites both on its network and other green spaces it manages could be managed this way in the coming years.
