I read with interest the letter ‘Stop mowing wildflowers’ in the July 2 edition. As I understood it Cumbria County Council had arrangements with various parties, including individual farmers, to cut specific lengths of verges at particular times; those times being determined by the ecological character of that length - as advised by independent ecological advisers.

Interestingly a related issue has arisen in recent weeks in Kendal where South Lakeland District Council with the support of both the town council and CCC have reduced some grass cutting on both verges - for example on the approaches to Asda and alongside Milnthorpe Road and Shap Road - and in parks, such as Hawesmead, to encourage wild flowers, an increase in insects and, therefore, also (hopefully) bird populations.

Such a strategy is one being increasingly adopted elsewhere and in very different contexts - for example, in the grounds of Arundel Castle, home of the Duke of Norfolk.

Of course biodiversity changes over time, which is why the beneficial effects of the changed mowing regimes in Kendal may take a few years to be achieved.

Conversely, since the original verge survey was undertaken by ecologists some areas may have seen an increase in wildflowers. This certainly seems to be the case at Shenstone, where the roundabout and adjacent areas now carry orchids.

There, as elsewhere, there would now seem to be a need for an updated ecological survey and (where necessary) revised arrangements (including timetable) for mowing.

Tom Clare

Chair of Highways and Environment Committee, Kendal Town Council