A RARE species of animal has been spotted in one of the wildflower areas on roadside verges created by the council in Warrington.
During the past three years the street services team has been creating colourful wildflower areas on verges in areas such as Birchwood, Winwick and Penketh.
A host of bees, butterflies and ladybirds have benefited from these additional sources of nectar and many birds have been seen feeding on insects attracted to the flowers.
But a Penketh resident has seen something more rare in his area.
Local ecologist and wildlife expert Jeff Clarke was looking for ladybirds in the wildflowers near his home, when he saw a brown hare.
He said: “I have lived here for six years and never seen one on the previously short mown roundabout before and I’m always on the lookout for wildlife.
“There is no question the hare would not have been here if it wasn’t for the tall flowers to hide in.”
Sarah Bennett, Cheshire region biodiversity manager, said: “Hares have suffered a dramatic decline in numbers since the turn of the 20th century and are now classified as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species.
“Thanks to local conservation effort it is great news that we are starting to see more of them within the region.”
Coun Alan Litton, the borough council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “We piloted wildflower planting three years ago and have been delighted with the public response and are of course pleased we are helping all creatures great and small thrive in our area.”
Since 2007 the borough council, in conjunction with seven local parish councils, have created almost five hectares of wildflower areas alongside the town’s roads. More than 300 school children have also been involved in sowing seeds.
Pictured: The wildflower bed at Widnes Road, Penketh.
