Ecological vandalism

There are huge swathes of the countryside verges and areas in parks around towns and cities where at least some of the grass could be left throughout the summer so that the wild flowers are allowed to grow and set seed.

No only would this enhance the environment which the councils have a duty to do but it would also save money and cut back on fuel usage of machinery.

In Abingdon, in particular, there are large areas of grassland near The Abbey which are mown so tight that no wild flowers can be seen. This area, in particular, is close to the nature reserve and the river and would provide excellent habitat for wildlife. It would appear that the local council is not happy unless it is cutting vegetation into non-existence, concreting the whole area over and planting non-native species which are of no use to our wildlife.

I cannot understand the practice of pulling up the native species which are of no use to our wildlife. I cannot understand the practice of pulling up the native dandelions, buttercups and daisies only to go to the garden centre to buy a very similar looking plant. We need to change our perceptions. And why are the councils still cutting well into October when there is little or no growth? Oxford seems to be slightly better. I have seen some very good colonies of flowers in some areas.

There is far more that can be done in small ways to enhance our butterfly and bee populations. We cannot continue with our over-tidy existence and expect wildlife to survive and we all have a duty to help.

Alan Stock, Abingdon