Road Verge Habitat Action Plan Draft Objectives and Targets, March 2008

Road Verge Habitat Action Plan Draft Objectives and Targets, March 2008

Road Verge HAP draft actions, March 2008

In this RVHAP, the following definitions apply:

Purpose: What the plan is for

Objectives: Broad goals, supplementing the purpose

Targets: More specific goals with dates by which they might be achieved

Purpose

To improve Road Verge management for the benefit of biodiversity.

Objectives

1. Support the Surrey BAP.
2. To identify mechanisms and measures so that the highway authority, in partnership with its term contractor and others, can carry put work that will conserve and enhance biodivaersity on the road network and adjoining areas.
3. To achieve a balance between the primary function of safety on the highway network and opportunities for wildlife conservation and enhancement.
4. To identify and map verges of biodiversity interest.
5. To carry out habitat and species enhancement on roadside verges through appropriate management wherever possible.
6. To encourage the creation and management of linear features that link habitats and provide corridors alongside roads for species migration.

Targets

1. Carry out a review of vegetation management on selected verges and routes, together with recommendations for improving biodiversity to be completed by Autumn 2008.
2. Carry out survey and recording of species diversity on selected verges and routes. Ongoing.
3. Conservation Verges to be managed in accordance with Management Plan requirements, with plans prepared for all designated verges. Ongoing.
4. Conservation verges to be mapped and monitored within 5 years of designation.
5. Explore potential for development of additional Green Corridor Action Plans in order to strengthen the biodiversity value of road corridors by 2010.
6. Set up web pages to distribute information about verges that are being managed for biodiversity by Autumn 2008.
7. Explore the potential for the use of volunteers for verge management by 2010.