Don't Mow Let It Grow

This exciting project is led by Causeway Coast to focus on the conservation of semi-natural grassland over the next three years.

Andy Turner

Torr Road

A narrow and winding road offering both open and wooded stretches of verge often in steep or vertical banks.  A few wider verges occur at the western end near Ballyvoy.   Attractive in spring and summer with early-flowering woodland species and in open areas, grassland and heathland species such as heather, bilberry and harebells in late summer.  Fuchsia hedges are also a feature of this road. … [Read more...] about Torr Road

B15 Glenshesk

These verges support a rich woodland flora , often on both sides of the road with broad steep banks in some places.  They are at their best in late spring when they are adorned by flushes of lesser celandine, wood anemone, primrose, bluebell, wood sorrel, violets and later a fine display of red campion. … [Read more...] about B15 Glenshesk

Causeway Hospital, Coleraine

Causeway Hospital has extensive gardens which are a mix of woodland, rivers and grassland. In 2013 Staff Nurse Donna Rainey discussed with Bamber McKay the Estates Manager, the potential benefit of leaving small areas of grassland uncut over the summer months to allow wildflowers and insects to thrive in these areas. This project has proved to be very successful with staff, patients and visitors and also with the discovery of a rare orchid, the Marsh Helleborine and several species of butterflies and moths which have been photographed and erected on signage to educate people on the benefits of … [Read more...] about Causeway Hospital, Coleraine

Garvagh, Drumcroon Rd

This verge was part of the original Envision project and has been managed as a traditional hay meadow since 2012. It is improving every year. When surveyed in 2012 it was found to contain fifty-nine species of plant, including bird’s foot trefoil, sweet vernal grass and lady’s mantle. Buff tailed and common carder bumbles have also been recorded along with green-veined and orange tip butterflies.This verge can be view from the footpath with which runs along the hedge. Care should be taken as it is adjacent to a busy road. … [Read more...] about Garvagh, Drumcroon Rd

Traditional flower-rich meadows

Northern Ireland's traditional flower-rich meadows (hay meadows/semi-natural grasslands) are unique because of our geography, climate and traditional management practices. They are an integral part of our cultural and natural heritage. Our meadows support more flowering plants than any other Northern Ireland habitat type. Because of the diversity of flowering plants they in turn support an array of pollinating insects including bees, butterflies and moths. True hay meadows have now largely disappeared because of major changes in agricultural practices but road verges and amenity open space … [Read more...] about Traditional flower-rich meadows

Don’t Mow, Let It Grow developed

Don’t Mow, Let It Grow developed from a small Envision road verge pilot project in 2012/13 which looked at four verges in the Garvagh area. The selected verges were surveyed the plants recorded. The results were very impressive with verges containing 30 plus meadow plant species, and receiving good public support. This led to upscaling the pilot to a super Council wide project Don’t Mow Let It Grow.The project partners were able to secure a development grant for funding from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2015 to develop this pilot project and submit a delivery phase application. … [Read more...] about Don’t Mow, Let It Grow developed