AQW 19543/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 26/05/2021
Answered On Date: 10/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what considerations his Department has given to wildlife-friendly verge management to restore and enhance road verges.

Answer:

The management of roadside verges would primarily be a consideration for DfI Roads. However, there is a policy driver through The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (the WANE Act) which places a statutory duty on public bodies to conserve biodiversity.

DAERA recognises the importance of roadside verges for biodiversity in providing a refuge for wildlife, and particularly the value of wild flowers and flowering hedgerows in providing a food-source for pollinating insects.

My officials support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) to promote the conservation of pollinating insects, and as part of this, engage with council Local Biodiversity Officers to promote community based actions such as ‘Don’t Mow, Let it Grow’ initiatives to improve habitat for pollinators. Road verge management is an important component, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency provides general guidance and specific comments to local authorities and Roads Service when requested.

DAERA advises that hedge cutting should be limited to outside the breeding season to protect nesting birds, to comply with the Wildlife (NI) Order. It further advises that mowing is reduced and timed to allow plants opportunity to flower where possible to support pollinators and wider biodiversity.