We want Halesowen to be a place where insects can thrive.
Since the 1970’s, there has been a 10% decrease in insect populations. Urbanisation is one of the factors that has contributed to this decline, causing widespread loss and fragmentation of habitats. This had made it harder for insects to move between green spaces, which is necessary for them in order to find nesting sites, food and mates.
To help combat this decline, I propose the following:
- Turn the Grange Road roundabout into a wildflower roundabout – if there is not enough funding available for this, planters could be placed around the roundabout.
- Reduce the frequency of verge mowing.
Environmental benefits
The Grange Road roundabout and surrounding verges are currently unused land and have little biodiversity value. Through transforming the roundabout into a wildflower meadow and letting the verges grow, the amount of habitat available in Halesowen for insects and importantly, pollinators would be increased. In turn, these green spaces would create ‘stepping stones’ between larger green spaces such as Seth Somers Park. Stepping stones are important as they provide ways for isolated populations of species to mix, which will increase their chances of survival. As climate change will cause species to alter their geographic locations, these stepping stones will help insects move to suitable habitats so that they are not stranded (which may increase their risk of extinction).
Having wildflowers on the roundabout and reducing the frequency of mowing surrounding verges will provide an important source of nectar and shelter that will support a wide range of insects - like butterflies and moths - causing an increase in biodiversity. Studies have shown that roundabouts and verges that are less frequently mowed have a significantly higher species diversity. A study conducted in 2014 found that wildflower plots have 50 times more bumblebees - and 13 times more hoverflies - after 2 years. Another benefit will be the reduced cost of mowing due to the lower frequency.
Transforming the roundabout into a wildflower meadow will not just benefit animals. It will also benefit the environment in other ways such as reducing the ‘heat island effect’ (this causes warmer temperatures in urban areas due to asphalt surfaces absorbing larger amounts of heat then vegetation). It will also reduce the amount of noise, dust and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In addition, it would make the roundabout less of an eyesore.
Benefits to humans
Moreover, the wildflower roundabout may also benefit humans as research has shown that having nature present in the local neighbourhood whilst carrying out daily activities (e.g. walking/driving to work) can promote positive feelings, productivity and relaxation – and also reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Since 2017, the rate of mental health issues has increased seven times and this has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic. Although the addition of more nature will not solve mental health issues, it could have a positive impact.
Possible negative impacts
A wildflower roundabout comes with many benefits. However, bats may be at a higher risk of mortality due to collisions with vehicles when crossing roads to feed on the insects. Though there is not enough research to support this idea, it has been suggested that heavy traffic may deter bats and, therefore, the busyness of the Grange Road roundabout may reduce the chances of bat mortality being an issue.
There are many areas where wildflower roundabouts have been a success such as in Warrington: https://nurturing-nature.co.uk/bumblebees-and-their-ecology/bumblebee-roundabout-the-best-ive-seen/ and Swindon: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/13353710.wildflowers-to-transform-swindon-roundabouts-into-wildlife-havens/.