Grass Verges Idea

Last year, I proposed an idea to some colleagues at Surrey County Council regarding grass verges. Although it received mixed feedback, as we continue to face challenges with grass verges, I would like to share this proposal with local residents to gather their opinions.
The concept involves mowing a strip around the edge of the grass verge, while allowing the central area to grow wild. This approach would not only promote biodiversity and support the dwindling numbers of pollinating insects but might also reduce labour needs, helping to address resource constraints associated with maintaining our verdant county's verges.
While this method could be less labour-intensive, it would still be necessary to fully cut certain verges for safety reasons, such as maintaining clear sight lines on busy roads and some of the very small verges.
To understand local perspectives on this proposal, I have created a simple and quick questionnaire. This is not a formal consultation but an initial step to gauge community interest before presenting the idea to colleagues at Surrey County Council. Please encourage your neighbours, friends, and family to participate in this survey to ensure a comprehensive view of community opinions on this local issue.

[@lucylyonswrites]

Great idea! Cut the strip and leave the rest. It's a great solution and more than enough space for dog-walkers, and improving drivers' views at turnings. On narrower verges, I would say leave the cutting until the flowers have gone over.

[@WhiskyJackR]

It's a cost saving idea that will look good first time. If left over a longer period, multiple seasons it will become overgrown, wild and very unkempt. Getting it back down once it gets away from you is a lot more work than a regular trim. So if you plan to do this, you still must cut it all back at least once a year as this will keep it in order and allow the wild flowers to come through.

[@BryanJames-ub9th]

It’s a lovely concept and it would save a lot of money if it is managed properly, wild meadow seed could be purchased from the money saved and once established it would need little maintenance. My one concern is that motorists line of sight is not compromised over grown vegetation and cut back accordingly and that would be with good management. Bryan James

[@PaulDeach]

I have no idea what the saving would be but it does seem like there must be some saving. I share your concern about sightlines and that would have to be a factor in this.

[@Fatbloke66]

I feel it's a great idea as not only would it encourage flowers for pollinators it would give a habitat for insects , spiders etc that have had habitat disturbed or lost to the local development. I found a rare European dung beetle when walking with my dog in the sangs which I photographed and logged it with Surrey Wildlife Trust. Wildlife needs a helping hand of late , let's face it how many flies etc do we get on the front of our vehicles these days.

[@beetleything1864]

i have noticed this up in Scotland driving around - looks ok - saves time etc - What i have noticed is they cut around the grass near crossings and leave it long away in other patches with just a meter near the road trimmed.