§ Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's policy towards the development of flora and fauna on the verges of the M25.
§ Mrs. ChalkerIt is our policy to encourage a varied flora on all motorways, including the M25. In 1970 a survey showed that 384 species of flowering plant, including one third of all British grasses, were growing on the M1 where only five had been sown during construction. The survey is being repeated this year to assess the effects of the reduction of grass cutting on the enrichment of herbage by other species.
We take no specific steps to encourage fauna, but the development of a rich and varied flora and the absence of man's influence on motorway verges provide ideal conditions for a wide range of fauna to establish themselves.