A GROUP of volunteers have been working to restore one of Hatherleigh’s roadside verges so the wildflowers can grow once more.

Under the guidance of the Life on the Verge – Biosphere (LoVe-B) project, members of the community set to work on the verge opposite Island Park, clearing old layers of fallen grass and encroaching brambles that have been engulfing the less robust native wildflowers.

The hard work of raking off the cuttings ensured soil nutrients were reduced with the aim of favouring wildflowers rather than strong grasses.

The volunteers are appealing to both locals and visitors not to park on the verge – not only will the vehicles squash and kill off the new flower growth but will compact the soil and prevent new seed from establishing.

Project coordinator Jo Pullin is offering help – equipment loans and advice – to other communities in the Okehampton and Hatherleigh areas who might like to ‘adopt a verge’.

She said: ‘Roadside verges have been acknowledged as an important wildlife resource and an integral part of Devon’s heritage. They provide a range of fragile habitats and are increasingly important wildlife corridors for threatened species and pollinating insects.

‘Maintaining verges to benefit wildflowers is becoming ever more difficult as local authority management increasingly focuses on road safety needs.’

Contact Jo at [email protected] to find out more.