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Diary

Background

Damerham’s roadside verges contain a rich variety of plants. In a survey in 2002/2003 by a group of interested residents a total of more than 200 different plants were found, and seven verges were identified as being particularly rich in wildflowers.

There was considerable concern from local people about the cutting of the verges in 2004, which took place at the height of the season for springtime flowers (such as bluebells). In a number of places sections of verge were reduced to bare soil. Complaints were received by the Highways Authority and Parish Council.

This led to a site meeting on 11 June 2004 with Highways, the County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, the Parish Clerk and members of the verge survey group – to discuss options for mowing in the future.

Recommendations were drawn up and endorsed at a special meeting of the Parish Council on 9 August 2004, and were finally confirmed by the County Council in February 2005.

As a consequence many of the verges in Damerham are now part of Hampshire’s protected verge scheme and are cut at slightly different times of the year. You will see white painted poles in some areas which mark the protected verges. All the other verges in the parish are still cut as before.

The change in mowing has already resulted in a notable increase in the flowering of spring plants, like bluebells, wild strawberries and others. Over time it should also benefit later flowering species like scabious and greater knapweed.

You can read the full report here if you wish.