On 14th October I wrote to Berks and Bucks district and County Councils. I received this response from Reading. They have a sponsor a roundabout but with just a company’s sign….but they also have a CSR scheme. Perhaps Reading could look at having one scheme which provides pollinator habitats but at different pricing so both smaller and large companies can get involved and sponsor? This is Marcus’ response:

Dear Archie,

Thank you for your contact.

Your enquiry has been forwarded to me for consideration and response as I currently manage the Council’s in-house sponsorship and advertising opportunities, with my colleague Rachel Barker.

I have attached for your information the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and Wildflower Plan, alongside our marketing pack for roundabout sponsorship.

Our roundabout offer is two part:

1) we allow businesses to place adverts on the roundabout (agreed format) in exchange for an annual fee 2) we can work with the sponsor from a Corporate Social Responsibility perspective to landscape the roundabout, for an additional fee.

I have copied my manager Graeme Rasdall-Lawes on this email as he manages the teams responsible for delivery of the wildflower plan and our current programme of wildflower planting on highway verges. Graeme has asked our grounds maintenance staff to review the estate of roundabouts to assess their suitability for the scheme that you propose. Where it is considered that the landscape is suitable, further consideration will be given to how we may link up with you to provide some support to the initiative.

Graeme will update you following the assessment of the roundabouts and our broader estate and agree how best to proceed.

Kind regards

Marcus Hermon

Recycling & Waste Services Manager