Verges
Our roadside verges can not only look nice but play an important part in maintaining and increasing the biodiversity of Pyrford! Pyrford, unlike many areas of Woking, is semi-rural rather than semi-urban. As such a more rural approach is required around the fringes with something more formal in the urban centre. Rural/wild verges do however require some planning and maintenance but once established should be less of a maintenance burden than a fully mown verge.
Mowing
Surrey CC have an approach to this with regard to mowing where urban areas are cut 6 times per year and rural areas 2 times per year. This should fit with the need for rural “wild” verges to allow the grasses and flowers to seed before they are cut to enable them to propagate next year’s flowers. Mowing too early effectively means having to start all over again and the natural wildflower look that everyone likes may never fully establish itself as a result.
Highway Safety
A mown verge is essential for safety and use in an emergency however it only needs to comprise a strip (one mower width?) along the kerbside sufficient to walk and keep away from the highway. At junctions or busier areas it may be necessary to cut a little further into the verge to maintain visibility and to keep road signs clear, and if done sensitively can enhance the appearance of the natural area as well. The mown strip also helps to keep the roadside looking a little neater to satisfy those residents that would prefer a more man-made approach with everything perfectly manicured!
How do we achieve this?
In order to achieve the wild verge look and agreed mowing regime needs to be agreed with residents and Surrey CC and then we need to stick to it! Some wildflowers are biennials and as a result it often takes 2-3 years to fully establish an attractive wild verge. If the verge is mown at the incorrect time it will take much longer to establish, essentially resetting the clock, and starting all over again. We need to hold our nerve!
Rural Communal Areas
Communal areas such as Pyrford Common can easily support wild edges and smaller patches of wildflowers amongst mown areas used for recreation.
Urban Communal Areas & Gardens
Urban areas & gardens by their very nature are often more formally planted with small beds, a close-cut mown area with feature trees and clipped hedges. Benches are often positioned in these areas to enable residents to enjoy. Examples can be seen at the Village Hall/Cricket Ground and Pyrford Shops/Marshalls Parade.
Trees & Hedges
Trees and hedges play an important part of the verdant nature of Pyrford and there are support schemes available for planting in pubic & communal spaces. More…
