Why Bovey Tracey’s road verges will be receiving an eco makeover

Roadside verges in Bovey Tracey will be replanted with year-round perennials as part of a new eco approach agreed by the town council.

Members of Bovey Tracey Town Council voted to replace annual wildflower planting with permanent perennial plants. 

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The decision was made at a meeting held at the Riverside Centre, with Bovey Tracey Town Council saying the change will help support wildlife throughout the year, reduce maintenance costs and contribute to local carbon reduction goals.

In recent years, some verges in the Dartmoor gateway town have been seeded annually with wildflowers to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 

While the scheme was described as successful, councillors agreed a longer-term approach would bring added benefits.

Under the new system, annual planting and seed harvesting will end, and, instead, permanent plants will provide continuous ground cover, supporting insects, birds and small mammals in all seasons.

The council says the deeper roots of perennial plants will store more carbon and improve resilience to drought and heavy rainfall. 

Verges are also expected to look greener during winter months, rather than appearing bare.

Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke supported the move in a report to members:

“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.”

Councillors also agreed to continue taking responsibility for verge cutting from Devon County Council for another year. 

Bovey Tracey will maintain its ‘No Mow May’ approach and carry out up to six cuts a year where needed.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Martyn Evans, linked the change to Bovey’s wider environmental plans:

“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.”

The council says it hopes both residents and wildlife will benefit as the selected verges develop over the coming years.