Roadsides are busy green corridors, filled with all
sorts of plants and animals and children are being
encouraged to look for a variety of wildflowers and
birds living alongside England’s motorways and major A
roads.
Highways England Head of Biodiversity Stuart Wilson
said:
As well as managing a road network that stretches for
4,300 miles, connecting people and places from
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Penzance, we also look after
around 30,000ha of green verge which contains a range
of habitats supporting interesting plants and
animals.
I’m really pleased to see us release our star spotter
game which passengers can use to enjoy spotting the
rich variety of wildflowers and animals while on
their journeys.
In preparing for these journeys, please remember to
check your tyres, oil, water, lights and fuel and if
you’re on a long journey, remember to take breaks.
It could be busy on the roads, so do check conditions
before you travel and try and leave plenty of time
for your journey. Let’s all enjoy summer safely.
Those travelling to tourist hotspots – including
Cornwall along the A30, Devon on the A38 and the
Yorkshire Dales on the A1(M) – are able to spot an
array of wildflowers and wildlife in the road verges.
Among the flowers that can be spotted is knapweed. Also
known as ‘Hardheads’ this wildflower is one of the
toughest meadow plants and very popular with bees and
butterflies.
Other wildflowers include oxeye daisies and rosebay
willowherb, which has seeds fitted with tiny
‘parachutes’ to help them disperse. Passengers can also
keep their eyes peeled on their journeys for animals,
including grey herons and Daubenton’s bats.
With more people holidaying and taking day trips in the
UK, Highways England has issued helpful advice to help
you stay safe.
Before you set off on a journey, Highways England’s
advice is:
- Do your vehicle safety checks
- Check loads are safely secured
- Check travel conditions
If you are towing:
- Check you have the correct licence and insurance to
tow whatever the weight
- Check your vehicle is connected correctly
- Check the load is secure and within the limits for
the vehicle.
Highways England traffic officers will be on patrol and
working to help clear any incidents.
Download the
game card here
