Drive for wardens to protect habitats

East Riding Council has identified 70 verge nature reserves and says they are under threat from fly-tipping, the spread of non-native species, road salt and chemicals, and the encroachment of scrub species.

The verges have escaped damage caused by pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers and are relics of habitats once common in the countryside. They also have historic and cultural importance.

Most of the valuable verges are in the Wolds and feature rare chalk grassland flora. Some are hundreds of years old and line old drovers’ roads in the county, which are still public highways.

The principal sustainable development officer at the council, David Renwick, said they played a vital role in the eco-system.

He said: “They are very valuable because they are long, linear bits of habitat and provide an important link to other sites. As climate change takes effect, animals and plants will need to adapt and move as conditions change, and linear habitats are all very important in forming these links that will allow them to move and adapt.”

The council has been given a one-year grant of £49,000 to fund a biodiversity project officer, who will oversee the work, and provide training for volunteers.

Ideally, the authority would like to assign a warden to each verge. Signs alerting people to under-threat verges have already been put up in Rudston.

The portfolio holder for environment and planning, Symon Fraser, said: “Even simple things all help, such as not driving up onto the verges and mowing them only in the later summer months. There is great environmental interest in our communities and local people will want to be involved.”

Volunteers will join the Country Mile warden network.

To find out more call Michael Newton on (01482) 391719.