Plantlife’s research, advocacy and partnership work is making the case that improving the diversity of wildflowers through changes in road verge management can bring the following range of benefits:

• Biodiversity – our road verges have great potential for species-rich grassland restoration and we can almost double the amount of wildflower-rich verge. Over 700 species of wildflowers could grow on well-managed verges, accounting for nearly 45% of our total plant diversity.
• Financial – changing the cutting regime of road verges can reduce the costs of managing them. For example, Dorset County Council has reduced their mowing costs by 45% over 5 years because of this change in management.

• Climate – if road verges are managed as wildflower-rich grassland they can act as a nature-based solution to climate change by storing carbon in their soils. Studies suggest improving plant diversity can increase the carbon stored in grassland soil by as much as 10%.
• Green energy – by using innovative anaerobic digestion technology, grass cuttings from road verges can be used to produce bioenergy – a form of renewable energy.
• Wellbeing – A closer connection to nature can bring real improvements to our wellbeing. For many of us, a flash of colour on the way to work, or a walk along a lane can be our first chance to see cowslips, orchids, or butterflies feeding on Knapweed.