SECTIONS of council-owned land across the district could soon become colourful havens for wildlife.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has announced plans to plant a number of species-rich wildflower meadows throughout the area, in partnership with the Somerset Wildlife Trust.

The meadows will initially be created as part of a pilot project on council owned land in Grange Drive, Leycroft Grove and Moorfields, Taunton; Gay Street, Wellington; and at Seaward Way, and Culvercliffe, Minehead.

The council will also be setting aside wild areas in its Green Flag accredited parks at Taunton’s Vivary, Victoria, Comeytrowe and French Weir parks, Wellington Park. and Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington.

The aim of the project is to help boost biodiversity and to support pollinator species, as part of its plans to tackle the climate emergency.

Cllr Peter Pilkington, executive member for Climate Change, said: “The council is committed to creating a more sustainable future for everyone, putting climate and environmental responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

"We are excited to be developing this project with the Somerset Wildlife Trust who share our belief in the need for ownership and involvement around climate change.

"The council currently cuts an area the size of Belgium in the course of a season, but we are looking to let some of these areas ‘rewild’ by letting the grass grow longer and sowing wildflowers.

"This taller grass will allow a range of grass species to develop, increasing the biodiversity in the area. Tall grass is just as important for wildlife as wild flowers, as it gives animals shelter and somewhere to hunt, breed and feed.”

The areas selected are traditionally cut every few weeks during the summer months.

Jolyon Chesworth, head of engagement at the Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “There are around half a million football pitches worth of gardens in the UK, plus parks, playing fields, road verges and roundabouts.

"If managed correctly, our towns and cities can act as havens for wildlife, creating Nature Recovery Networks that connect urban and rural areas to help restore wildlife.

"Insects, including bees and butterflies, are dying out up to eight times faster than larger animals and 41 per cent of insect species face extinction. However, this initiative to help sow wildflower meadows and ‘rewild’ our parks can play a crucial part in stopping declines.

"Importantly, these areas won’t just provide a rich source of food but will provide habitat throughout the year for animals to shelter.

“It’s not just good for wildlife but for people as well, the sight of a wildflower meadow, teeming with bumblebees and butterflies, enhances our green spaces and our enjoyment of them and all the evidence suggests that towns rich in wild places and wildlife also boost our own wellbeing. We hope this initiative will be just the start of turning Taunton Garden Town into a place where people and wildlife thrive together.”