POWYS County Council insists it has measures in place to minimise the impact on wildlife when cutting grass verges in the region after criticism from local TV celebrity Iolo Williams.

Councils have received criticism on social media and have been urged to be mindful of wildlife when cutting roadside grass verges rich with flowers.

But the council, along with contractors, states the conservation of wildlife is considered when grass cuts are planned.

A spokesman for the council said: “A number of current initiatives are underway to leave whole sections of verges uncut or with their own individual management plans to benefit the species present on that site.

“Steps to ensure the preservation of a wide range of wildlife on the county's verges include timing scheduled grass cuts to prolong nesting and breeding seasons in many species of animals and birds, and to allow flowers to set seed and invertebrates, such as butterflies, to complete their life cycles.

“Rural grass verge cutting is limited to one cut in June/July and is restricted to a width of 1.2m, with additional cutting only at junctions or if there are visibility issues.

“Urban grass verges (highway verges within a 30mph speed limit on county roads) are receiving a safety cut, which is a 1.2m width cut along footpaths and junctions for maintenance and visibility purposes.”

Montgomeryshire-based TV presenter, Iolo Williams, was among those on social media who highlighted grass-verge cutting, and raised concerns about the impact on wildlife.

He tweeted: “Lots of councils needlessly cutting flower-rich verges and green spaces at the moment. Please stop! You are killing tens of thousands of flowers, food for pollinators.”

Councillor Heulwen Hulme, cabinet member for environment, explained the maintenance of grass verges is important to maintain safety for road and path users.

She said: "Maintaining grass verges is a balance between ensuring the safety of road and path users is not compromised and preserving wildlife. However, with careful management, it is possible to do both.

"The urban grass verges are where we are keen to make even more changes to the way they have previously been managed.

“By working with local groups and community and town councils, we can identify areas that can be left uncut, making improvements year-on-year on the number of areas designated for conserving biodiversity in the county.

“The council cuts grass verges on the trunk road network in Powys on behalf of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.

“However, the grass cutting specifications on the trunk road network, which the council follows, are set by the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.”