Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

grasses such as tor grass Brachypodium pinnatum and false oat grass
Arrhenatherum elatius and invasion by scrub and woodland, leading to losses of
calcareous grassland flora and fauna.
Development activities such as mineral and rock extraction, road building, housing
and landfill.
Localised afforestation with hardwoods and softwoods.
Recreational pressure bringing about floristic changes associated with soil
compaction at some key sites.
Invasion by non-native plants, including bird-sown Cotoneaster species, causes
problems by smothering calcareous grassland communities at some sites.
Atmospheric pollution and climate change, the influence of which is not fully
assessed.
9.2.5 Actions
Encourage appropriate public access for observation and enjoyment of lowland
calcareous grassland.
Reduce invasion by scrub and trees.
Use appropriate cutting methods and regimes to benefit the grassland.
9.3 Banks and verges
9.3.1 Description
There are many thousands of miles of banks and verges throughout the UK
associated with roads and railways (both used and disused). These verges can take
the form of hedges and banks, all of which represent small linear areas of seminatural
habitat, and collectively are an important natural resource. Banks and verges
can often support species rich grasslands, mixed scrub, woodlands, and, along
disused railways, calcareous grasslands. They can provide an important habitat and
food source for a wide variety of species, from badgers and bats to butterflies and
orchids. Banks and verges are also very important wildlife corridors, allowing a huge
variety of species to commute along them, and therefore link up other habitats.
Habitats likely to be encountered on banks and verges along the Sustrans Network
are described below.
Grasslands
The biodiversity of the grassland found along a verge will depend on the
maintenance regime that is employed. Cutting too early in a season can prevent
many species flowering and setting seed, so removing an important food resource
for birds and insects. Late cutting is often the preferred method as this
encourages annual and late perennials to grow, so increasing the biodiversity. In
many cases it is important to remove the cuttings as otherwise these will increase
the nutrients in the area, so changing the flora of the area. As a general guide,
most grasslands should be cut once in September, with the cuttings
removed/raked into habitat piles.
Woodlands
Woodland edges provide excellent habitats for a range of species including bats,
dormice and a wide variety of birds and butterflies.
Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007)
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