What is a roadside verge?

A verge is the land between the road edge and the adjacent wall, fence or hedge.

Why are they important for wildlife?

Verges provide important connecting links for wildlife through the countryside; joining areas of grassland with other wildlife rich habitats such as hedgerows and woodland. Many of Cumbria’s verges have open grassland but we also have woodland verges with bluebells and dog's mercury, and steep hedge banks with primroses and celandines. Even those verges that aren't flower-rich have some wildlife value since tall grassland is rarely found on farms, and it is not unusual to see a kestrel, hovering, seeking out a vole or mouse.

How are verges looked after in Cumbria?

In 1992, Cumbria County Council, English Nature, the Lake District National Park Authority, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Cumbria Wildlife Trust initiated a survey of all roadside verges in the county in order to identify 'special verges' (those of the greatest conservation importance) and to prepare a plan for all verges so that they are managed
favourably for conservation.

As a result of this work, Cumbria County Council adopted a cutting policy that aims to maintain the biodiversity interest of all verges. Particular attention is however paid to the 691km of verges that have been designated as 'Special'.

When are the verges cut?

Except in the most exposed and nutrient deficient environments, grasslands need to be maintained by grazing or mowing. Left to their own devices, without such intervention, they first become very rough and 'rank' and then, gradually, shrubs such as willow or hawthorn, or tree seedlings, will become established. Before long, the interest of the grassland, and indeed the grassland itself, will be lost. So cutting of the verges is essential.

Cumbria County Council arranges for the verges to be cut at different times depending on their requirements, such as when flower heads ripen.

Some fact about cutting regimes:

• flower-rich verges are generally cut later in the year
• other types of verge may need an earlier cut
• every four years, a full width cut is made late in the year to prevent woody weeds and saplings going, as these would shade out more delicate flowers
• the 650 Special Verges have their cuttings removed to reduce fertility and so encourage a greater diversity of wildflowers
• in order to maintain a safe and wildlife-rich road network, contractors work from maps showing which verges to cut and when. The County Council assess the work and revises cutting times if necessary.