An overeager ‘neat-andtidy brigade’ sees flowers being cut down before they can set seed.
of their vital contribution, roadside verges additionally represent the main daily interface that many of our 23 million road commuters have with nature.
The importance of verges to biodiversity cannot be underestimated, and should not be taken for granted either. Plantlife recently highlighted that the biodiversity of road verges is now steadily declining, due to a perfect storm that combines pollution with poor management by local councils.
Emissions from vehicle exhausts are now known effectively to act like fertiliser for a host of thuggish nitrogen-loving plants, such as nettles, brambles and creeping buttercup, which helps them crowd out traditional flowers. But the actions of many councils in recent years has arguably been even more devastating, as an overeager ‘neat-and-tidy brigade’ sees flowers being cut down before they can set seed, and the mowings simply left on the verge to add to the soil richness. If only all councils followed advice and cut less, and later in the year, then they would be able to save both money and flowers.
The good news, however, is that many conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts, are now belatedly protecting the best sites. In the county of Norfolk, 111 Roadside Nature Reserves have been created with a combined length of over 15km. While visiting these areas, the importance of road safety cannot be overemphasised. Remember to contact Highways England, or specialist staff at your local council/Wildlife Trust, before preparing for a visit.