ROADSIDE verges in Bovey Tracey are set to get even more eco-friendly after the town council agreed to replace annual wildflower planting with year-round perennials.

The move could help with the authority’s carbon reduction aims and will also save taxpayers money by reducing maintenance.

Over the last few years, signs have been in place indicating that some verges are seeded each year with flowers to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Although the scheme has been deemed a great success, the new regime aims to achieve even more.

Out will go the annual planting and seed harvesting, to be replaced with plants that provide permanent ground cover supporting insects, birds and small mammals all year round.

Verges will no longer look bare in winter and the new plants’ deeper roots will store more carbon and be more resilient to drought and heavy rainfall.

The change was voted through by members.

A report from Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke encouraged the move saying: ‘While annual wildflowers are popular with residents and can provide short-term colour and pollinator benefits, perennial planting offers enduring ecological, economic, and aesthetic advantages.

'By prioritising perennials for wildflower verges, Bovey Tracey invests in a resilient, low-maintenance, and biodiversity-rich habitat that supports wildlife and addresses climate challenges for years to come.’

Members also agreed to take on the job of verge cutting from the county council for another year, maintaining the green policy of ‘no mow May’ and delivering up to six cuts a year where needed.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Martyn Evans said: ‘The town council recently adopted its Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan and the switch to perennial planting on our verges chimes perfectly with that.

‘We all know that the environmental challenges we face are considerable, but by each of us taking small actions where we can, the collective difference can be considerable.

‘We look forward to seeing the selected verges develop in the coming years and hope the public and wildlife alike enjoy the results.’