Communities caring for the Biosphere's road verges
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Our three year Life on the Verge - Biosphere (LoVe-B) project pilots an approach where local communities
can manage and monitor road verges to enhance their wildlife value. Valuable habitats Road verges are an important wildlife resource and an integral part of Devon's heritage. They provide a range of habitats and are increasingly important wildlife corridors for threatened species and pollinators. They also provide one of the only opportunities for us to see wildflowers on a daily basis, in towns and villages, as well as in a largely intensively managed countryside. Managing verges to deliver all these benefits is ever-more difficult as local authority management increasingly focuses on road safety needs. The LoVe-B project will help community groups in Devon to identify and ‘adopt’ local verges, and manage them for wildlife and community benefit. Trained volunteers Community volunteers will be trained in biological recording and to work safely by the roadside. They will have access to funds and expertise to help them manage their chosen verges and promote their achievements. Best practice Case studies and best-practice guidance will help recruit more communities and sustain the volunteer network once the project ends. The Tarka Country Trust is the responsible body for the project, which has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (Your Heritage Grant scheme). We hope for a positive decision in April/May this year. |
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