Verging On

A University of Exeter study underlines, yet again, the natural history possibilities presented by the UK's roadside verges (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/26/end-mowing-of-road-verges-to-create-huge-wildlife-habitat-says-uk-study). Roadside verges are the areas between the edges of roads and the fencing, preventing people and animals from wandering into the traffic. The Exeter study used Google maps, to calculate that the UK's roadside verges occupy more than 2500 square kilometres (about 1.2% of the country's entire landmass). This is an expanse equivalent to the combined areas of the cities of Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Most of the verges are currently covered by short, frequently-mown grass or scrub. The study reiterates that much more could be done to encourage wildflowers to grow on motorway and road verges. This is already happening, in some places, but it is worth offering further encouragement. Perhaps reductions in vehicle-related contamination (fumes and microplastics) with electrification, will also help?