Wildflower verges on TfL’s road network doubles

Roadside land covered by wildflower verges has doubled since the last growing season, according , according to Transport for London (TfL). This increase, estimated to be the equivalent of 37 football pitches, is part of TfL’s strategy to boost biodiversity and mitigate climate change.

The flowers create a supply of nectar and other food resources, plus shelter, for wildlife including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals. Wildflower verges bring additional benefits for London’s biodiversity, including the transfer of carbon dioxide from the air into the soil and reduced carbon emissions from mowing, said TfL. 

The sites, on TfL’s road network, are managed to promote biodiversity by reducing mowing frequency to allow wildflowers to grow. TfL now has wildflower verges across its network including Gants Hill roundabout in Redbridge, Clockhouse roundabout in Feltham and the A21 Sevenoaks Road (Green Street Green) in Bromley. TfL pointed out it will continue to regularly mow the edges the wildfower verges to “keep London’s streets looking well maintained”.

TfL said it plans to measure the benefits of wildflower verges by using roadside camera scans.

The wildflower programme is a key part of TfL’s Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Plan, published in March 2024, which sets out how the organisation will “protect, connect and enhance” its green infrastructure and biodiversity.

Lilli Matson, Chief Safety Health and Environment Officer at TfL, said: ”The new wildflower verges will encourage biodiversity and make London a more?liveable and nature-rich city. We will continue to work with our partners to improve our network and reduce impacts of climate change.” 

TfL has also recently completed work on Tolworth Roundabout, a scheme to designed to help mitigate the impacts of climate change by creating over 6,000 sqm of Sustainable drainable systems (SuDS). TfL said its work to create more SuDS in the capital, reduces the risk of flooding and improves London’s river water quality.

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/green-infrastructure