Welsh Assembly drive to conserve wildlife
National Assembly for Wales
A ten-year plan to conserve wildlife living along the Welsh road network
has been launched by Economic Development and Transport Minister Andrew
Davies.
The Trunk Road Estates Biodiversity Action Plan (TREBAP) sets out over
250 actions to safeguard rare and attractive habitats and species alongside
some of Wales’ busiest roads.
Andrew Davies described the plan as an exciting contribution to the Welsh
Assembly Government’s commitments to sustainable development.
"Managing the demands of the environment and the economy is a
complex and often controversial issue. This plan is about striking a balance
between our need for road-based transport and conserving our wildlife
and environment.
"Our vision is of a sustainable Wales, and that informs our approach
to policy right across Government. Protecting and, wherever practical,
enhancing Wales’ biodiversity is a key part of that vision. "
Carrying over 50 per cent of Wales’ traffic, the Welsh trunk road
network crosses areas of wildlife interest which are of UK and international
standard, with the associated road verges providing essential environments
for many different species.
Examples of the species and habitats included and typical actions are:
Otters – continue to provide mitigation to reduce road casualties,
such as otter ledges on bridges;
Welsh Clearwing Moth – ensure birch trees
of the right age are available for the moth to
use to lay its eggs;
Orchid-rich grasslands – to restore and enhance
areas where orchids are found;
Bluebells – to plant new areas and ensure
native bulbs are used;
Actions are also included to raise awareness and understanding of roads
and wildlife.
The plan was developed with help of a range of wildlife and transport
organisations to developing the plan, including Friends of the Earth,
the RSPB, Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency, the Wildlife
Trusts, the Association of Local Government Ecologists, the Welsh Transport
Forum and the RAC Foundation.
"The actions and targets set out in this plan are both a challenge
and an inspiration to those who work on and use the road network,"
said the Minister.
"By taking action to conserve our wildlife habitats, we are protecting
a major asset and ensuring that generations to come will be able to appreciate
Wales’ rich biodiversity."
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