Roadside Nature Reserves project
The RNR project is a team effort involving Ecologists, Highways
Area Management staff, Carillion staff and their grass verge
cutting sub-contractors, Parish Councils and many volunteers who
act as voluntary wardens.
The aim of the RNR project is to conserve good examples of
species-rich plant areas and plants of national or county
importance, reducing the threats posed by inappropriate
management.
All RNRs are marked with white posts and plates indicating the
direction of the protected stretch of roadside verge. These ensure
cutting takes place at the appropriate times. Cutting is essential
to keep more dominant plants at bay and each RNR has its own
management regime.
Some RNRs have legal protection (Sites of Special Scientific
Interest or plants protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act
1981) whilst most others have
County
Wildlife Site (CWS) status. The CWS project is a partnership
project with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Biological Records
Centre.
At Suffolk County Council, the Ecologists
- Identify new RNRs by undertaking plant surveys at the
appropriate time of year.
- Assess survey data against RNR criteria and designate as CWS if
appropriate.
- Work with Carillion staff and their grass verge cutting
sub-contractors to manage each RNR according to its own cutting
regime.
- Carry out RNR site condition checks to ensure optimal
management and identify the need for any changes to management e.g
restoration cuts.
- Work with voluntary wardens, usually local people, who act as
eyes & ears; some also help with raking up cut vegetation.
- Work with Natural England to ensure assent for
cutting Sites of Special Scientific Interest which include
RNRs.
Many RNRs would benefit from volunteers helping to look after
them, particularly with raking up after the special annual cut by
Highways contractors.
If you would be willing to volunteer or would like further
information about RNRs please contact
Sue.Hooton@suffolk.gov.uk.
RNRs interactive map (PDF 453KB). This map will be updated
in 2009.