Hidden roadside wildlife revealed

[Kymba]

Just read this and think it is a great idea and hope people will have a go at it



A council is urging people to discover the delights that are lurking in road verges.
A pilot scheme, launched by West Sussex County Council, aims to help residents discover more about the rare plants and wildlife present on some of the verges.

There are 84 Notable Road Verges which are protected for their environmental importance.

Under the new scheme, eight verges will be clearly marked with a poster explaining why they are important, and give information on the plants or wildlife it is protecting.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex County Council's highways and transport chief, said: 'We hope residents will take the time to read the signs to find out more about why a verge has been designated an NRV.'

The eight pilot signs are in Bury, East Grinstead, Fishbourne, Haywards Heath, Henfield, Horsted Keynes, Shoreham-by-Sea and Windfall Wood Common.

[goosey]

It sounds a great idea and so interesting to learn and see more about the sights you see every day going from A-B. Good on West Sussex County council, lets hope others follow their example.

[Kymba]

I will ask one of the councilors i know with Kent County Council if they will consider adopting this idea

[Amiguru]

I think this is a great idea but with some reservations, (sorry for pun). There are two aspects that concern me, firstly, there are the dangers to people and motorists when cars may be parked at roadsides and people wandering about the grass verge. Secondly, there is the invitation to some mindless souls to deliberately damage the featured sites. Keeping the caring public informed is great but I wonder about the wisdom of indicating where rarer or endangered species may be found.

Sorry to be a wet blanket but it had to be said.

[nightshade]

I agree with Amiguru as the number of visitors increases the chances of
spoiling the site increases also,well done to the council but will people
respond in the rightway?

[Kymba]

I understand what you are saying and I do partly agree, But unless we try new things how are we going to get people interested in wildlife.. And verges are a great place to look for insects and plants.. And Mindless idiots will damage things no matter what just for the hell of it..But maybe they are less likely to walk along verges causing damage due to the number of people passing by..