Laura Sharman 14 May 2018

Air pollution destroying roadside flowers warns charity

Air pollution and bad management have caused the diversity of wildflowers on road verges to fall by 20%, new research has found.

The study, by Plantlife, shows that Britain’s wild flowers are being overtaken by invasive plants that thrive on nitrogen-rich soil such as stinging nettle and bramble.

The charity warns these 'nitrogen guzzlers' are crowding out some of the rarest and most threatened species.

Dr Trevor Dines, Plantlife botanical specialist, said: ‘Poor management has combined with pollution to create a perfect storm. Not only have councils adopted an over-eager regime that sees flowers cut down before they can set seed, but the mowings left on the verge simply add to the soil richness.

‘Under this management, summer-flowering plants such as eyebright and harebell are disappearing and only the toughest of characters - like nettle and bramble – are prospering.’

Research by Plantlife estimates that better management of road verges could deliver 400 billion more flowers, the equivalent of 6,300 per person in the UK.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Direct Payment Officer - WMF2236e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£28,598 - £29,540
The Community Finance Service provides several services including financial assessments Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Building Assistant - WMF2241e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£28,598 £29,540
We are looking to appoint a Building Assistant, who is a highly motivated individual Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Communications Officer - Team Barrow WMF2242e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091.00 - £46,142.00
‘Team Barrow’ is a unique partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, central Government and BAE Systems Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Solicitor - Generalist

North West Leicestershire District Council
£25,052 - £27,402 (including market supplement enhancement)
Are you looking to broaden your experience in local government law and practice? Coalville, Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Senior Commercial Manager

Amey
£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Amey
Linkedin Banner