Nature Friendly Verges

The trial which started in March 2023, lasted for an initial period of two years to enable the correct length of time for biodiversity benefits to realise.
Feedback was gathered from residents through an online questionnaire, enquiries and engagement plans during the trial period.

Feedback to our online survey showed in summary that:

• 68 per cent of people were supportive when responding to how they felt about a specific location increasing to 75 per cent when asked about the scheme overall.
• Respondents were particularly supportive of the trial in Addington Road, Downs Hill, River Pool Walk and Warren Road, but less in other locations.
• People were generally supportive in more rural locations where their impact was perceived to be less.

Walkover surveys were undertaken on the verges during the trial period. These surveys showed that:

• 80 different floral species were recorded across the 11 sites in 2023, increasing to 113 by 2024.
• A wide variety of floral species were found across the trial sites

Following review of the trial data, the following verges were converted into permanent Nature Friendly Verges owing to a combination of either strong resident support and/or evidence of strong biodiversity benefit:

• Addington Road (West Wickham)
• Court Road (Orpington)
• Downs Hill and Ravensbourne Avenue (Shortlands and Park Langley)
• Ormonde Avenue (Farnborough and Crofton)
• Pickhurst Lane and Pickhurst Mead (Hayes and Coney Hall)
• Rangefield Road Footpath (Plaistow)
• River Pool Walk (Penge and Cator)
• Warren Road (Chelsfield)

Following review of the data, the following sites were removed from the scheme, owing to a combination of either not receiving resident support and/or because they did not appear to be delivering the required biodiversity benefits:

• Beadon Road (Bromley Town)
• Copers Cope Road (Beckenham Town and Copers Cope)
• Northfield Avenue (St Mary Cray)

Nature Friendly Verges Trial results report.