Protected Road Verges (PRV) are stretches of road verge in Cambridgeshire that have been selected for protection and special management because of their wildlife interest. These are found in the south and west of the county with a smaller number located in the east.
Road verges
Many traditional hay meadows and grasslands have been lost over the last 60 years. Consequently, road verges represent the largest area of unimproved grassland in the county and provide a refuge for a wide range of species including some that are considered to be rare and scarce.
Many verges are also associated with other habitats which are important in their own right such as hedgerows, walls, trees, scrub and ditches.
Protecting our road verges
Unfortunately, the quality of the verge habitat, as well as the wildlife that relies on it, has suffered as a result of a variety of activities causing damage to the verge. In addition, the lack of inappropriate management has also contributed to a reduction in the quality of the verges.
Designating areas as PRVs raises awareness about their importance for wildlife to landowners, land managers, utility service providers and planners to help protect these sites.
Our involvement
We are responsible for the management of the majority of the county's roads. It is important that PRVs are managed for their wildlife interest, which will help the County Council meet its biodiversity duty (NERC Act 2006).
The Council is involved with:
Further information
Further information about PRVs is provided below.