LETTER FROM ME TO TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DEPARTMENT

Dear Sir/Madam,

For the last five years I have noticed a small colony of what I believe are early purple orchids (Orchis mascula) on the left hand verge of the A39 just west of Fairy Cross. Each year the verges are cut before the flowers have a chance to seed. This is a great shame, because they are beautiful and relatively rare in Devon although as far as I can tell they are not covered by the terms of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Would it be possible to just leave this tiny area of verge unmowed for once, or to have it mowed by hand.

I would be quite prepared to provide someone to cut it manually and to keep it trimmed throughout the year. The area is only about 25 square feet in size.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Best wishes

Jonathan Downes

To their credit, I heard back this morning:



Dear Mr Downes

I have forwarded your request onto Devon County Council’s Highways team as they are responsible for maintaining the verges.

Yours sincerely
Sally Ferguson

Support Assistant

Environmental Protection Team,

Torridge District Council,

Bridge Buildings,

BIDEFORD, Devon EX39 2HT



I will let you know what happens. However, I would like to crave another boon from my dear readers. I was under the impression that all British orchids were protected. However, maculata does not seem to appear on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.


I am crappy at interpreting the law. I fought the law and the law not only won, but tap-danced all over my cranium many years ago, and several hours perusal of the afore-mentioned act have left me no wiser. Can someone whose arteries are NOT beginning to harden explain to me?