Road shoulders should be used as wildlife corridors to boost biodiversity, campaign group Nature 2030 says in its new report, Restoring a Green Britain.
The publication of the report, which was backed by global charity PlantLife, comes as the New Labour government made restoring nature one of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) five priorities.
Road shoulders are particularly important in efforts to reverse the decline of biodiversity in the UK, containing around 45% of the UK’s total plant diversity and home to 87 plant species that are at risk of extinction.
Wildflowers
New research shows The natural environment is slowing the UK economy, with estimates that GDP could fall by 12% over the next few years.This will be a bigger blow to the economy than the financial crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report outlines the importance of protecting the UK’s biodiversity and outlines a roadmap for councils to increase biodiversity in their boroughs through measures such as reducing the frequency of grass cutting and encouraging community engagement.
The group successfully campaigned to include a new Clean Air Bill in the Queen’s Speech in 2019 and this year will host the second Political Purpose Awards, which recognise UK politicians who are committed to environmental issues.
Plantlife, whose field research is a central feature of the report, are experts in creating wildflower-filled road verges and green spaces and their book Managing Grass Road Verges – A Best Practice Guide won the ‘Best Practice Knowledge Sharing’ award from CIEEM in 2020.
Potential
Broadcaster and activist Chris Packham voiced his support for the new report, saying: “Every time we cut grass or cut trees, we destroy vital habitat, food and carbon-storing environments that our country needs to thrive.”
“Councillors are at the centre of change in our communities – yet they stand alone in this fight for biodiversity. The Nature 2030 report gives councils the confidence and support they need to implement the changes we need.”
“Let’s create communities where wildflowers bloom on every roadside, birds gather in every hedgerow and hedgehogs in every park. Our community spaces can enhance biodiversity whilst also being practical, accessible and people friendly. This report shows how.”
Mark Schofield, road kerb advisor at PlantLife, said: “Road kerbs and green spaces can play a vital role in restoring nature and benefiting people if we unlock their potential as wildlife corridor networks.”
Wild
“Road shoulders are home to over 700 species of wildflowers and act as important sanctuaries. Plantlife is pleased to support the launch of Nature 2030’s timely report which will help support and empower local communities, local authorities and policy makers.”
Dominic Dyer, chairman of Nature 2030, said: “Britain’s biodiversity is in decline and at Nature 2030 we are working to change that from the ground up, providing support to those who need it most.”
“Nature 2030 makes a very compelling case for rewilding cities. Our new report effectively communicates the value of increasing biodiversity to the general public, engaging local councils and community groups and inspiring future generations to become defenders of nature in urban areas.”
Nature 2030 is an international campaigning group run and funded by purpose-led communications consultancy Higginson Strategy.
This author
Brendan Montague is EcologistThis article is based on a press release from Nature 2030. Read the full article here. here.
