CLIDDESDEN could be set to gain more biodiversity if wildflower meadows are rolled out there.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have revealed that they are exploring the opportunity to set up a new Biodiversity Improvement Zone (BIZ) in the Cliddesden area.

They are working alongside the parish council, who "are keen to develop biodiversity".

It comes after a pilot project was launched last year that saw verges and green spaces in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood managed differently in a bid to improve habitats for wildlife and flora.

24 areas in the ward, which covers over five hectares, were not cut in the summer, and it has resulted in a total of 150 different grass and wildflower species being found.

The authority is analysing the frequency and location of these areas to decide how they can be managed next year.

They state that opportunities for a new BIZ are being explored in Cliddesden.

A report, to be examined by the economic, planning and housing committee on Thursday, reads: "Being a rural location, this will be a chance to establish a process that may work in other parts of the borough outside the urban area."

It is part of an update on the council's green infrastructure strategy, which was set out in 2018.

However, Cllr Mark Ruffell, cabinet member for planning, infrastructure and the natural environment, warned that progress had bene slightly curtailed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic has had some impact on the progress of green infrastructure, particularly in relation to volunteers and contractors not being on site."

But he stated that the creation of a BIZ in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood had seen important progress made.

"It is anticipated that over the next year, work will continue on projects such as input to the next local plan, Manydown county park, the climate change strategy and emerging environment bill.

"Further work on the BIZ project will provide a greater understanding of habitats within the borough and potential opportunities for expansion."

What is a Biodiversity Improvement Zone?

A BIZ, according to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, aims "to improve habitats for wildlife and flora by managing road verges and open spaces differently".

"These projects have created a more varied range of plant and flower species that provide better habitats and green corridors for wildlife to travel along from one area to another.

"They allow bees and other insects to thrive. They also add more colour at certain times of the year from the natural beauty of wildflowers improving the visual appearance."

The council also says: "There are many open spaces alongside roads owned by the council, but the chalky soil conditions here are favourable for encouraging and establishing wildflowers, and the establishment of a network would link other larger sites such as Beggarwood Park Local Nature Reserve, Old Down and Down Grange.

"This will be useful for insects but will also help species such as birds, bats and hedgehogs by providing food supplies in urban areas.

"It will also help bring wildlife to surrounding gardens helping pollinators such as bees spread throughout the area."