SPECIES RICH VERGE DESTROYED

Friday 20th January 2012

Common spotted orchid (c) Dave KilbeyCommon spotted orchid (c) Dave Kilbey

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has been alarmed to learn that a large section of a protected roadside verge containing nationally scarce flora has been destroyed and replaced by hardcore near Ashleworth, by contractors working on behalf of Severn Trent.

Local resident, Rupert Hyett, has been tending the species-rich verge near his home for the past 30 years and was upset to find the topsoil scraped off and replaced with tons of hardcore.

When Mr Hyett approached a Council Highway Officer he was told that they weren’t aware that the verge was special, despite it being marked with special roadside metal studs that inform workers that the verge is protected. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust have tried to contact Severn Trent Water but have received no reply.

they’ve clearly failed to do any checks in this case

“This verge has long been known for its rich display of wild flowers so it is a disaster if it has been destroyed.” Says Colin Studholme, Director of Policy and Research at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. “Severn Trent Water has a duty to make sure it doesn’t damage wildlife when it carries out works like this, but they’ve clearly failed to do any checks in this case.”

The site is part of a UK BAP Priority Habitat, and contains nationally scarce greater dodder (Cuscuta europaea) and the near threatened round-fruited rush (Juncus compressus), in addition to over 500 common spotted orchids. 

Tagged with: Ashleworth, Nationally scarce, Verge, Wildlife