County’s grass cutting programme gets underway 

The county has over 6 million metres squared of rural verges and over 320,000m2 of central reservations in place across the county. 

The cutting regime, in place since 2016, helps to keep roads visible for motorists but also provides a safe space for wildlife too. 

The County Council cuts less to make areas more friendly and protected for pollinators. When the visibility splays and road junctions are cut back, only 1 metre or 2 metres of grass is now cut back from the carriageway, leaving significant uncut areas available for wildlife. 

Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “Although our primary responsibility for roadside verges is one of safety, we are very keen to support the recovery of pollinator populations within Worcestershire and this includes the way that we manage the sites. 

There are 46 Roadside Verge Nature Reserves designated for rare or special species and habitats across our County and all sites now receive a bespoke approach to ensure that protected or rare species are fully considered when it comes to maintenance.  We will also continue to look at localised requests. We all need to look after the bees and other pollinator species, especially here in rural Worcestershire, because as we know our own survival ultimately depends upon it.” 

Worcestershire County Council has become pollinator friendly to promote the protection of pollinating insects and their habitat. Dual carriageway verges offer important linear networks for pollinators. Often referred to as ‘Bee Lines’, they connect previously isolated areas of ecological interest.   

 During the summer months, the roadsides grow very quickly and there is a statutory duty to maintain them and to make sure the road network is safe.  However, the changes implemented in recent years have seen significant improvement to biodiversity opportunities on Worcestershire’s network.   

Worcestershire County Council is committed to preserving and protecting the environment for future generations, as well as striving for a top-quartile position for the condition of the county’s highway assets.  

For more information visit the Roadside Verge Nature Reserves pages of the County Council website.