Powys County Council has been commended by television presenter Iolo Williams for its work in letting verges grow for the benefit of wildlife.

The Welsh ornithologist, nature observer and author took to social media to praise the authority for its work, accompanied by a photo of a roadside verge that had been left ‘wild’.

The TV presenter, who lives near Newtown, wrote: “Lots of criticism on Twitter for councils cutting flower-rich verges, and rightly so.

“Hats off to @PowysCC for letting our local verges grow despite opposition from the ‘tidy brigade’. Meadowsweet, yarrow, birdsfoot trefoil, meadow brown and ringlet aplenty. More of this please.”

Conservationists and wildlife charities have recently been promoting letting lawns and grassy areas grow wild, in order to encourage a more diverse range of plants and insects to live in them.

By leaving the mower in the shed and letting a patch of grass grow to its full potential, you can make the space a haven for wildlife. The plants provide food for not only bees, but the beetles, wasps and flies that are important for pollinating flowers and crops and are a crucial part of the food chain.