New initiative giving residents' the chance to adopt a verge launches in the Royal Borough

The Royal Borough has launched a new initiative giving people the chance to look after a verge in the area.

The project, entitled Verge on the Wild Side, has been launched in partnership with local conservation, environmental and sustainability groups and looks to foster community stewardship of roadside verges.

The initiative looks to support the greener, cleaner and safer borough aim in the new Council Plan.

With the help of the council and conservation groups including the Wilds and sustainability organisations such as the Eco Action Hub and Green Skills Library, individuals and groups in the community will adopt a verge and help to transform the areas into thriving homes for local wildflowers, grasses and insects, including pollinators.

The project officially launched this week, coinciding with Earth Day and it is hoped that the verges managed by residents will showcase the benefits of biodiversity and how habitats can be made and enhanced, even in urban areas.

Those wishing to get involved or find out more can fill out the survey at: https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/verge-on-the-wild-side 

Once an expression of interest has been given and the council has an idea of the verge someone is looking to adopt, the authority will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Councillor Karen Davies, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “We’re proud to be launching our exciting new Verge on the Wild Side initiative on Earth Day and our thanks to the conservation and sustainability groups in the borough for working in partnership with us to support and deliver this initiative.

“We are very lucky to have a range of parks and green spaces in the borough. However, we know that there are residents and community groups who have roadside verges and patches of green in their local area that they would like to do something with to enhance nature and biodiversity in their streets.

“By participating, you can play your part in protecting nature.

“Along with fostering community stewardship of verges, this initiative will promote greater biodiversity and, in turn, support our Biodiversity Action Plan.

“The borough is also the lead authority for Berkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and this scheme can align with that emerging strategy, helping us to promote habitat creation.

“We’ll ensure that the verges identified are suitable for the project - we’ll need to consider location and ownership, and that residents and community groups are supported with the right knowledge and tools.”

Councillor Joshua Reynolds, cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: “We want to work with our communities to engage with the natural world across all the wards of the borough and this project is the perfect way to get involved in supporting wildlife and biodiversity in your own neighbourhood.

“This is also an opportunity to be part of a fun, sociable activity which I hope will bring residents together to work in partnership, not just with the council, but with their neighbours.”

Those with any queries or questions are asked to email volunteer@rbwm.gov.uk using the subject heading ‘Verge on the Wild Side project’.