North Herts District Council is set to embrace flower power by allowing wild meadow areas to grow in Hitchin.

Areas of grass that have previously been closely mown by the council, will now be allowed to grow wild during the summer months until they are cut in late August and early September.

The aim is to encourage more wildflower species to grow, providing food and shelter for more insects, mammals, amphibians and birds as well as to contribute to off-setting the council's carbon emissions as part of its Climate Change Strategy.

The areas targeted in Hitchin will be Cadwell Lane Playing Field and Butts Close as part of the council's action for biodiversity and climate change.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, NHDC's executive member for the environment said: "We have lost nearly 97 per cent of our wildflower meadows since the 1930's in the UK and this has had a huge impact on our wildlife and environment.

"Not only will this action help to sustain local wildlife, but it will also help in our fight against climate change in the district.

"I hope that in future years we will be able to expand wilding like this to even more locations."

Areas which will be left for wildflowers will still be maintained to allow easy access and will not impact on social use of the space.

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The wild meadow sites follow a successful trial last year which was prompted by feedback from residents asking for urban meadow areas in the district.