Daisies, bluebells, butterflies and pollinators by the roadside

The municipality is responsible for snow clearance and keeping the roadsides tidy on the roads under its control. Maintenance is contracted out to contractors on a competitive basis. For years, even decades, the beautiful daisies and bluebells along rural roads have been mowed when they are at their most beautiful, around Midsummer. This has been done year after year, despite requests to the contrary. Gradually, the daisies and bluebells have almost disappeared. As the world and Europe have become aware of the disappearance of pollinators, which in turn threatens grain harvests and food security, national recommendations have been issued to the Transport Infrastructure Agency regarding the mowing of roadsides. These are based on scientific knowledge. I propose that the municipality limit the amount of mowing and schedule it for late summer, when the flowers have already developed their seeds. At the same time, the flowers will delight both people and pollinating butterflies and other insects. This requires clear changes to contract agreements and consideration of what is important. Due to its visibility, the intersection area is different from the already speed-restricted, little-used roads. For example, if all contracts are awarded to a single contractor, they will have to start in early summer in order to get everything done.

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