Grassland and Wildflower Strategy

Road verges

Hart District Council have no direct control over road verges on highways; these are Hampshire County Council (HCC) responsibility and there are health and safety requirements in terms of the need to maintain sight lines:

A cultivation license is required for planting on verges. HCC have a scheme in place for monitoring and maintaining sensitive verges accordingly.

We are happy to work with individual Parish Councils to help determine if they have any areas that could be left uncut in May or could be converted to wildflower seeding.

Nature conservation sites

The management of priority grassland habitats and grassland on sites designated for their nature conservation management is not included within this strategy as they have an inherent biodiversity value that is maintained or enhanced with an appropriate management regime. However, generally these sites are not seeded, and they receive an autumn and or spring cut with the arisings removed, (i.e. hay cut).

Funding for wildflower creation in the community

Hart District Council has a small grant scheme that can help with the provision of wildflower and tree planting in your local school, church, play area or any other local community open space. To find out more contact countryside@hart.gov.uk for more information.

What you can do

Local residents and communities can also play a key role by:

• raising awareness locally of the benefits of longer grassland.
• leaving lawns unmown for No Mow May.
• rewilding areas of their own gardens and other green spaces, there is useful information on this via the Wildlife Trusts website or the RSPB website.