Making Space for Nature

The loss of wildflower-rich grasslands and the wildlife it supports is an issue of public concern. We are committed to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss by making space for nature in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council manages a significant amount of grassland. We have an opportunity to restore and enhance these grasslands as habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. We plan to do this through our new approach to managing verges and grassland within the Vale. The new approach is currently being implemented as resources allow. It expands on the previous Conservation Verges Scheme and links in with Green Networks.

How we will make space for nature in the Vale of Glamorgan

We will increase the amount of wildflower grassland to encourage pollinators and other wildlife. We will create room for wildflower grassland in managed roadside verges, parks and larger meadow areas
We will favour change of management over seeding or planting where possible. This will encourage the native seed bank to flourish without introducing non-native species or species that would not naturally occur in the local area
We will classify all verges in the Vale of Glamorgan under one of the following categories: (i) Amenity Cut, (ii) Conservation Cut and (iii) Visibility Splay
We will increase public awareness of the importance of species-rich grasslands for biodiversity and for people’s health and wellbeing