Torbay Council is taking on the battle of climate change by turning some of its grass verges blue to help local wildlife and increase biodiversity.
Blue Hearts, which have also been made from recycled materials and installed by SWISCO, a Torbay Council company, will feature at a range of Torbay parks. The Blue campaign is a national campaign in an attempt to rewild council land and roadside verges – something an increasing number of local authorities are taking part in.
In a recent study by the Wildlife Trust, 90% of lowland grassland has been lost since the 20th Century, with fewer areas than ever supporting insects, wildlife and grassland species. The worrying aspect of this is that these grasslands form an essential part of the UK’s ecological infrastructure and Torbay Council is enabling them to grow along with other measures including tree planting and growing urban flower meadows.
Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council said:
We are very pleased to support the Blue Campaign.
“In line with what an increasing number of other local authorities are already doing, Torbay Council is committed to reviewing and reducing the frequency of cutting highway verges across the Bay, wherever safe and desirable to do so.
“By changing the way we manage our grass verges, this will significantly improve biodiversity, help reduce carbon emissions and costs, and bring benefits for wildlife, for us and future generations.”
Cllr Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture said:
Road verges can be wildlife havens, as diverse as surroundings they pass through.
“But we need to cut less and later for nature. This is just one of a range of measures that we’re putting in place to help the planet.”
Look out for the Blue Hearts at the following locations:
- Armada Park
- King George V Playing Fields/Easterfield
- Churston/Bascombe Road former Car park
- Hampton Lands (St Marychurch)
- Stanley Gardens, Paignton
- Summercourt Way, Brixham
- Ashfield Gardens, Torquay
- Stoodley Knowle (near Community Cafe)
