To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline her Department's policy concerning re-wilding of roadside verges in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area through planting of wildflowers.

My Department does not have a specific policy on planting wildflowers on roadside verges. However, there is a policy driver through The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the WANE Act) which places a statutory duty on public bodies to conserve biodiversity.

DAERA recognises the biodiversity importance of roadside verges in providing a refuge for wildlife, and particularly the value of wild flowers in providing a food-source for pollinating insects.

My officials support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) to promote the conservation of pollinating insects, and as part of this, engage with council Local Biodiversity Officers to promote community based actions such as ‘Don’t Mow, Let it Grow’ initiatives to improve habitat for pollinators. Road verge management is an important component, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency provides general guidance and specific comments to local authorities and Roads Service when requested.

While planting wild-flowers will provide an additional food-source for pollinating insects, it is important that any mowing is timed to allow plants opportunity to flower. Flower seeds should be of native species, and preferably locally sourced.