HILARY HALL, of Blackawton, writes:

What an unfortunate coincidence to see Devon County Council on Countryfile telling all how they conserve nature by sensitively cutting verges.

Last week I was appalled and saddened to see their numerous vehicles and men destroying our wild flowers on verges just as, at last, after the cold winter and spring the cow parsley was opening to make it's stunning show.

Bluebells, stitchwort and wild garlic had been out for a few days and the pink campions also started adding their colour last week.

None of the flowers could possibly have seeded themselves yet nor had there been enough warmth for the pollinators and wild life to burst into life.

How insensitive, not only to destroy the wild life, but to deny both residents and visitors the pure joy of seeing nature at it's best along our South Hams roads and lanes.

Surely visitors don't really come down to drive a little faster on slightly wider looking roads, they come for the peace and beauty.

I call on all parish, town and district councillors to request highways to tend blocked drains, gulleys and ditches to prevent flooding rather than destroy our natural heritage at this time of year just for the sake of urban tidiness in future.