Work starts on wildflower project in West Berkshire

The ‘Tesco’ roundabout on the A339 Sandleford Link, the roundabout on the junction of the A4/B4000 Stockcross Road, and the verge at Cow Lane in East Ilsley will all benefit from the laying of specialist wildflower turf.

West Berkshire Council has appointed experts Wildflower Turf Ltd to create the eye-catching wildflower displays, whose eco-friendly projects include supplying the London 2012 Olympics, The Hive at Kew Gardens and thousands of other small and large projects around the UK.

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The turf the council will be using contains immature wildflower plants and a healthy root network, to create an almost instant meadow.

This will produce flowering plants from late spring to mid-autumn, creating a strong visual impact as well as helping to feed and shelter bees, butterflies, and all manner of other wildlife, with only limited maintenance throughout the year.

Stock image of wildflowers

Wildflower turf has already been laid in East Ilsley. The A339 and B4000 roundabouts are also being completed this week.

Richard Somner, West Berkshire’s Executive Member Transport and Countryside, said: “It’s great to see this exciting project underway.

"Wildflowers offer so many benefits, not least because they are beautiful to look at.

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"They are an environmental winner too as they can provide vital refuge for many kinds of wildlife, from insects to reptiles, mammals and birds.”

He added: “The Environment is a priority for everyone and as a council, we are working hard to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

"Our 2021-22 Budget includes a £12.5m commitment to our Environment Strategy which includes a council owned solar farm and projects such as this one that will go towards meeting this vital environmental target.”