Pollinators have been under threat for many years. They are responsible for much of the food we eat. We need to provide roadside “highways” along which they can flourish and regenerate their species. The indiscriminate use of pesticides at the road sides has compounded the problem.

Trees and shrubs are also wonderful resources for insects and birds but they are indiscriminately hacked away every year.

Of course road safety must come first and where necessary verges should be managed appropriately. Leaving nature to itself would incidentally provide savings for our hard pressed local councils.

We ask that the Scottish Government legislates that  councils and other organisations must minimise the use of chemicals on roadsides, to only cut verges where necessary for road safety and to stop the indiscriminate slashing of roadside hedges allowing roadside saplings to grow into mature trees.