Road verge nature reserves (RVNRs)
The most biodiverse parts of the green network of verges running alongside roads in the countryside
What are road verge nature reserves?
They connect up the countryside and allow wildlife to move through what can be an inhospitable landscape.
There are approximately 57 RVNRs in Oxfordshire which are managed by our Highways and Transport team, Public Rights of Way team and local community groups.
RVNRs are usually wide road verges with long grass to enhance biodiversity by providing habitat for flowers and insects.
RVNRs may also contain other valuable habitats such as wet ditches, drier grassland at the edge of the road and species-rich hedgerows.
What makes RVNRs so special
The underlying geology and low-nutrient soils of these areas results in the growth of unusual and specialised grasses and flowers. The long grass allows insects (such as bees and butterflies) and reptiles (such as grass snakes and slow worms) to breed in the spring and hibernate in the winter. The flowers produce nectar and pollen to feed butterflies and bees which then attract birds and bats.
You can find out more about the location of Oxfordshire’s RVNRs and descriptions of their biodiversity interest by contacting Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC).
The locations of current road verge nature reserves are also available from www.data.gov.uk
How they are managed
RVNRs are marked with posts so that contractors know to only cut the grass at the end of the summer (September/October). This allows the plants to flower and drop their seeds onto the ground so they can grow into new flowers the following year. RVNRs are cut every year to prevent hedgerow species (such as hawthorn) growing on the verge and shading out the grasses and flowers.
Propose a new RVNR
If you know of a verge that may meet the RVNR designation criteria use our online form. If so, follow this link we will be in touch:
You must upload several documents in support of your application. Use a scanner or take a photo with a smartphone.
You will also need:
- an idea of which RVNR designation criteria you think the verge may meet
- a map outlining the full extent of the verge
- a photo of the verge
The following details would be useful:
- The habitat type present using NVC or the UK Habitat Classification System
- The condition of the habitat present using Technical Annex 1 of the Biodiversity Net Gain assessment sheets
- The soil type and bedrock present
What happens next?
Following your application we will assess the verge to confirm it meets the RVNR designation criteria