ROADSIDES in Gwent are going wild with flowers, as councils are planting seeds on verges instead of just mowing the grass.

Banks of wildflowers help bees, currently suffering due to climate and loss of habitat, as well as adding a splash of colour for motorists.

Both Newport council and Monmouthshire council have started the scheme.

Motorists driving down Malpas Road in Shaftesbury, Newport, may have noticed wildflowers blooming in the approach to the roundabout, where panda sculptures sit between bamboo fronds and the fresh colours brighten up the urban landscape.

Gardeners have been hard at work, as more than 40 varieties of flowers have been planted along verges in Newport. Verges along the A48 were planted this year for the first time.

Sorrel Jones, conservation officer with Gwent Wildlife Trust, said: “Insects that pollinate flowers are vital for our food supplies. We’d be in serious trouble without bees.

The cost of pollinating our crops would run into billions of pounds if we had to do it ourselves.

“It would be lovely if we could bring our countryside into our towns and cities a bit more.”

Newport council’s cabinet member for infrastructure Ken Critchley said: “This is the second year of a three year trial project. It was a huge hit with residents and visitors last year and the feedback we have received this year is also overwhelmingly positive.

“The flowers are a beautiful sight, adding splashes of colour along the urban roads to greet people as they enter the city.”

The flowers will bloom from now until the end of August.