A38 verges in Devon being transformed for bees and butterflies
Native grasses and wild flowers will be planted along the verges to form part of a wildlife corridor along roads in Devon and Cornwall.
Environment-conscious drivers may be concerned to see areas of wild vegetation being removed on the roadside of the A38 in Devon over the coming weeks, but it鈥檚 all in a good cause.
皇冠体育app land is being cleared to make way for a colourful carpet of native grasses and wild flowers that will form part of a wildlife corridor along Highways England roads in Devon and Cornwall.
Highways England ecologist Leo Gurbert explained:
皇冠体育app grassland and scrub growing on parts of our verges is known as 鈥榬ank grassland鈥� and doesn鈥檛 support a wide variety of species, particularly bees and butterflies, as it has limited biodiversity value.
By replanting with a wider variety of native grasses and wildflowers we鈥檒l be able to provide a much more wildlife friendly environment for a range of pollinators and insects, some of which are in decline.
皇冠体育app planting is taking place at 11 sites on the A38 between Ashburton and Wrangaton and will create almost six hectares of new grassland which will be enhanced by planting native perennial species including; yellow rattle and bird鈥檚 foot trefoil.
Leo added:
As well as pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies the new areas should support further biodiversity such as invertebrates, reptiles and small mammals and it should improve the appearance of the road and journey experience for everyone using it.
皇冠体育app Highways England grassland planting schemes are now in their third year and a total of 10 hectares have been planted along the A30 and A38 in Devon and Cornwall.
皇冠体育app seeds being planted this year have been sourced from a nearby farm to make sure the plants are as local as possible.
皇冠体育app scheme is being delivered under Highways England鈥檚 national Biodiversity Plan which is being supported by a 拢30 million national investment programme over the next five years.
皇冠体育app plan recognises road verges and associated land can be managed to provide great areas of wildlife habitat, relatively free from human access, that are often scarce in the surrounding landscape.
皇冠体育appse road verges can also be used to connect fragmented habitats in the wider landscape, enabling plant and animal populations to move and interact, and so become stronger and more resilient.
皇冠体育app project also aligns with DEFRA鈥檚 National Pollinator Strategy and environmental charity鈥檚 Buglifes鈥� B-line initiative, which aims to create a nationwide network for pollinating species such as bees.
皇冠体育app scheme involves three phases of work between Monday, 23 July and Friday, 28 Sept 2018.
This work will be carried out overnight when traffic flows are at their lowest to keep disruption to a minimum and while most sites will require lane closures no delays are anticipated.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
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