THE TOWN'S parks, shopping areas and verges could seen see new sparks of life as plans to restore, reclaim and protect natural habitats and native species are considered.

A series of "wildflower spots" could soon be implemented across parts of the borough following Reading Borough Council's (RBC) experimental rewilding scheme, which introduced a new approach to grass cutting in selected locations during 2020, has proved a great success.

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The experiment worked in most areas for both maintenance and appearance, and public feedback on the scheme was overwhelmingly positive.

At a meeting today (December 15), the council will consider a 'rewilding and wildflower plan', which recommends that the project should be extended into 2021.

As well as expanding the new scheme across new areas of the borough – including Wensley Road green, Cintra Avenue and parts of Milestone Way, the wild flower plan proposes trialling the scheme in 12 parks, which would add five per cent to the overall amount of conservation grass.

Other plans include wildflower planting in the town centre and around the Civic Offices, on selected roundabouts and around the main shopping areas in Tilehurst, Caversham and Whitley, where there is land for planting, as well as corridors into Reading, like the A33, Oxford Road, London Road and Henley Road.

As with the 2020 rewilding project, requests for feedback from local residents and parks users will be sought and the new changes carefully reviewed at the end of the season.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s lead for culture, heritage and recreation, said: "I am absolutely delighted our rewilding trial has proved so successful during 2020 – many of our verges looked lovely during the summer – the range of biodiversity on the Hexham Road, the spectacular array of wildflowers along Lansdowne Road and the sea of buttercups at Florian Gardens were particular highlights this year.

"The positive feedback from residents has been heartening to see.

"Rewilding connects people back with nature.

"In busy towns such as Reading, maintaining that connection with nature is all the more important.

"This year has been a perfect time to rewild our town – when residents are walking and cycling more.

"This project has tied in nicely with our focus on active travel and the new schemes we have introduced to encourage more sustainable travel across the borough.

"Many people have urged us to make more changes that improve things for wildlife in the town and in our parks – and this is the direction we hope to expand the trial towards in 2021. We have ambitions to increase wild areas in 12 of our parks.

"Importantly, these experimental changes feed into our wider, far-reaching ambitions set out in the Climate Emergency Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan."

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Cllr Rowland added that feedback could be given to RBC by email at rewilding@reading.gov.uk.

West Reading resident, Hilary said: "We would like to thank you for what is being done on the 'rewilding' project.

"Since lockdown my husband Mike and I have taken daily walks around Prospect Park and Southcote and have been delighted by the beautiful wildflowers and grasses that now grow in the verges and meadow areas.

"It is a joy to watch the different varieties of plants growing through the weeks and seeing all the insects, bees and birds that they attract.

"Please keep it going!"

View the full Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee (HNLC) report here.