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Road VergesThe Draft Sussex HAP defines the verge as the area of land over which the Highway Authority has responsibility for maintenance - a mix of habitats, comprising scrub, grass, herbs, wildflowers and bare ground, located between the road and the adjacent boundary [ Draft Sussex HAP Feb. 2001]. This definition will apply here. Current Status and Distribution Road verges have not been surveyed in any detail so an assessment of their biological characteristics has yet to be made. Importance Road verges may form important local refuges for wildlife and have the potential to act as important corridors between habitats. Local Significance Consultation for the Chichester District Council LBAP identified that local people valued road verges for their appearance and wildlife. Threats · Inappropriate management e.g. cutting regime · Inappropriate landscaping e.g. planting of daffodils and other garden flowers · Erosion of verge by car parking · Disturbance through laying services and consequent re-seeding with rye grass can reduce biodiversity · Litter Objectives 1. Identify road verges where enhancement would be worthwhile and appropriate. 2. Negotiate suitable management for a number of the sites as identified in 1. and monitor these sites. 3. Raise awareness of the value of the road verge habitat for wildlife. 4. Encourage the development of new verges as natural verges. |
ACTIONS
| Potential of Road Verges as described in Draft Sussex HAP | Objective and action proposed in Chi. Dist. LBAP | Action proposed in Selsey Parish |
|---|---|---|
| The potential for community involvement is high. Subject to strict safety requirements, it would be possible to involve local communities in both recording and auditing their local road verges for habitat and associated species and also adopting them for monitoring. Interpretation and informal environmental education could be increased through greater publicity of the value and significance of the wildlife associated with road verge habitat and in particular through the involvement of communities, through initiatives such as promoted via Local District BAPs. |
To highlight the growing importance of road verges as wildlife habitats. [Objective]Encourage local surveys of botanical species in verges by volunteers from the community. | Survey appropriate road verges based on the model developed in the 'Road Verges for Wildlife Project' in Chichester District. Explore the possibility of managing certain road verges for biodiversity within the urban area. [creation of meadow areas] Negotiate the development of demonstration areas of natural verge on the new Pye Field development and monitor these. Use demonstration areas to raise awareness of the value of the road verge habitat. |
For any opinions or feedback or any
other information please contact
telephone 01243 607104
or email ssavill@lineone.net
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