Council highway works result in thriving home for wildlife
A new roundabout in Rugeley completed in July has resulted in the creation of habitats for bees and other pollinators.
The new eco-friendly refuge was established just off the A51 highway improvements providing access to a new housing development. The space is expected to attract various pollinating species, including bees and moths.
Staffordshire County Council’s highways, ecology and landscaping teams worked together to create the habitat, which will feature various plants favoured by pollinators. The area includes flora that hold lots of nectar, a key food of pollinators, such as bird’s-foot trefoil and teasel. Sandy banks were also included in the sanctuary as many pollinators like to burrow into sandy soil.
Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said: “This is a vital highways scheme for Rugeley that provides access to a new multi-million-pound development, but it’s also great news that we’ve been able to support some local wildlife at the same time.
“Pollinators like bees play a vital role in both food production and maintaining healthy ecosystems, so it’s really important we do what we can to support a safe and suitable habitat for them.
“The team will be putting up some information signs with a QR code where people can scan and find out more about their local environment and wildlife. The project is a win-win for residents, the environment and of course the bees, moths and wildlife. We’ll be looking at creating more of these habitats in future highways projects where appropriate.”
The £2.7m improvements started in September last year and finished on schedule this month. Alongside the new roundabout and habitat, improvements included extending existing paths and cycleways, installing a signalised toucan crossing and new drainage and street lighting.
