Road and Rail Verges

Species rich road verges require positive management through cutting at the right time of year and removal of clippings to keep nutrient levels low. At present, many of the Dales road verges are cut at the wrong time of the year or too often, while others are not cut at all. Clippings are usually left lying on the verges after cutting and this increase in fertility is resulting in a loss of the more interesting species to a sward dominated by nettles, thistles and other more competitive species. Highways Authorities need to implement cutting and management programmes which take account of the needs of species-rich road verges.

Species rich rail verges are generally less vulnerable to damage due to cutting or lack of management but in a number of instances important orchid sites have been lost due to machinery driving across them or railway ballast being dumped on them. It is important that Railtrack are made aware of important sites and encouraged to manage these appropriately.

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Road & Rail Verges Habitat Action Plan (opens in new window)