The government’s commitment to biodiversity has been under the spotlight again after verges full of wildflowers were hacked back.

It’s resulted in the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture issuing a reminder to the Department of Infrastructure and local authorities about the importance of leaving hedges, sod banks and verges uncut at this time of year.

DEFA said hedges should only be cut in the bird breeding season if they pose a risk to safety.

It said: ’Before any cutting takes place, hedges should be checked for nesting birds, which are legally protected.

’Leaving hedges, sod banks and verges uncut enables plants to flower and set seed and this benefits insects, birds and small mammals, as well as people who enjoy and appreciate the colourful array of our native flora.

’If you have concerns about hedge-cutting activity, please contact the relevant local authority in the first instance.’

One resident in Ramsey contacted the DoI’s housing department after its contractors cut back verges which had been full of wildflowers such as ’lady’s smock’, a food plant for Orange Tip butterflies.

She said: ’I am beyond heartbroken. DoI contractors are out cutting the green banks where I live. They’re full of wildflowers and have been covered in bees. The residents here have really enjoyed seeing the beautiful flowers.

’Can’t we have something pretty to enjoy during these hard times? I thought the Isle of Man was supposed to be a biosphere?’

There were reports of other flowering banks being cut back in Bride, Malew, Anagh Coar and Ballabeg.

Arbory clerk Phil Gawne said Commissioners hadn’t sanctioned any cutting around Ballabeg but there was a small 150-yard stretch in Ballacriy, Colby, that had to be cut following complaints from residents. ’This was supposed to have been cut prior to nesting beginning but for several reasons, including latterly Covid-19 restrictions, it was delayed,’ he said.