A network of wildflower verges is turning roadsides into havens for wildlife.
Transport for London (TfL) has doubled the area of wildflower verges on its land to 520,000 square metres across the capital. That’s the equivalent of around 72 football pitches and has been achieved in just two years.
The project aims to boost biodiversity and create habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
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TfL’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, Lilli Matson, said: "We’ve doubled wildflower verges across London in just two years – and we’re already seeing wildlife return. Our approach has really blossomed over the years and it’s really encouraging to see the number of butterflies begin to pick up again.
"Ultimately, taking action to improve biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions, such as through our approach to wildflower verges, isn’t just about improving the capital for wildlife, but about improving it for everyone in the capital.
"Supporting and creating healthy green infrastructure allows us to shape our city, so that it becomes more resilient to the impacts of climate change and also a more pleasant, liveable place to spend time in."
New wildflower verges have been established in several boroughs including 5,000 square metres along the A10 in Enfield, 2,000 square metres on the A2 in Bexley, and 1,700 square metres on the A217 in Sutton. The latest figures come as London marks Climate Action Week and highlights efforts to make the city greener and more sustainable.
The Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said: "The expansion of wildflower verges across London shows how simple changes can have a big impact, helping nature thrive.
"Alongside these verges, we have planted more than 640,000 trees, including two major new woodlands, and created or restored over 2,000 football pitches worth of green space."
TfL’s wildflower verge programme began with a trial in 2019 and relies on cutting grass just twice a year and removing clippings to support wildflower growth. This approach provides nectar, food, and shelter for a range of wildlife from pollinators to birds and small mammals.
Since 2023, TfL has worked with Butterfly Conservation to monitor butterfly populations along the verges.
Last year, 118 surveys across 34 sites recorded approximately 720 butterflies from 22 different species. This marks a more than 50 per cent increase in average sightings compared to the previous year.
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