CARMARTHENSHIRE county council has vowed to take wildlife into consideration as roadside verges get their yearly trim.

The authority will be cutting more than 6,000km of verges over the coming weeks, but concerns over the natural habitat will be at the forefront of the plans.

“The importance of the road verge network for nature conservation is reflected in the council’s verge maintenance policy,”

said a council spokesman. “The roadside verges provide a rich and varied wildlife habitat offering shelter, a supply of food and corridors along which wildlife can travel.”

Councillor Colin Evans said: “The cutting of some verges may be delayed in the interests of conservation as long as highway safety is not jeopardised. Designated nature reserves where clearly identified and marked will not be cut.”