Press Release

Press Release Archive: Thursday 17 May 2012

The search continues for wildflowers on the road verges of Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is calling for volunteers to help discover the remaining wildflower rich road verges in two areas of the county.

The search for wildflowers is continuing this spring and summer on the chalk between the Humber and Spilsby in the Lincolnshire Wolds and on the limestone soils of North and South Kesteven.  Life on the Verge Project Officer, Mark Schofield said: "Volunteers have been carrying out the Life on the Verge surveys for the last 3 years.  The response has been tremendous and many important discoveries of previously unknown wildflower-rich verges have already been made.  But there are areas that remain unexplored; these could contain verges that are important for wildflowers and other wildlife." It is easy to take part in the surveys and no previous experience or wildflower knowledge is required.  Mark explained: "The surveys are designed to assess conservation value by checking for a shortlist of wildflowers that beginners can easily learn.  A system of online maps is used so people can identify and claim road sections for survey.  Then they will need to make a single 1-2hour visit to each 1km road section to look for the shortlist of wildflowers.  We provide a free Wildflower Identification Guide, survey forms and a high-vis vest for all surveyors.  In addition, there are free Wildflower Field Classes that will explain how to do a survey and identify the wildflowers."   Wildflower Field Classes in the Lincolnshire Wolds Free wildflower identification training days provide volunteers with the knowledge they need to take part in the surveys and help discover the best wild flower verges.  You don’t have to join training days to take part in the surveys.  Monday 4 June Badger Farm & Red Hill Nature Reserve near Stenigot (Part of Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival), 2pm-5pm Saturday 9 June Badger Farm & Red Hill Nature Reserve near Stenigot (Part of Lincolnshire Wolds Walking Festival), 2pm-5pm  Wednesday 13 June Elsham Village Hall & Elsham Pastures, 10am-4pm Saturday 16 June Hemingby Village Hall & Road Verges, 10am-4pm Tuesday 19 June Hemingby Village Hall & Road Verges, 10am-4pm Saturday 23 June Elsham Village Hall & Elsham Pastures, 10am-4pm Thursday 28 June Willoughby Village Hall & Mill Hill Quarry Nature Reserve, 10am-4pm, Sunday 1 July Willoughby Village Hall & Mill Hill Quarry Nature Reserve, 10am-4pm Wednesday 4 July Badger Farm & Red Hill Nature Reserve near Stenigot, 10am-4pm Sunday 8 July Elsham Village Hall & Elsham Pastures, 10am-4pm Wednesday 11 July Elsham Village Hall & Elsham Pastures, 10am-4pm Sunday 15 July Badger Farm & Red Hill Nature Reserve near Stenigot, 10am-4pm Places must be booked in advance on: 01507 526667.  The field classes involve both an indoor and outdoor session to familiarize beginners with the wildflowers they can expect to discover for themselves on the road verges. Finishing times will be flexible on each day.  Stout footwear and a packed lunch are advisable. For more information about “Life on the Verge” and how you can get involved visit: www.lifeontheverge.org.uk Photo: common spotted orchids on the Claxby Roadside Nature Reserve in the Lincolnshire Wolds (Barrie Wilkinson)

Notes to Editors

1. Life on the Verge: Lincolnshire Wolds
   The project area covers the Lincolnshire Wolds Natural Character Area stretching from Barton-upon-Humber to Spilsby and including approximately 700 miles (1130km) of road verges.  Project partners include: Lincolnshire County Council, Natural England, The Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, North Lincolnshire Council and North-East Lincolnshire Council.  Funding is provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Lincolnshire Wolds Joint Advisory Committee and North Lincolnshire Council.
     • Over 40 volunteers have so far been active in the Lincolnshire Wolds
     • 367km of road surveyed
     • 44km of road in the Lincolnshire Wolds that could qualify for designation as Local Wildlife Sites
     • 71% of the Lincolnshire Wolds project area still remains unexplored and could contain verges important for local wildlife
   www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/index-wolds.php
   
   
2. Life on the Verge: Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Grassland
   Launched in 2009, the first “Life on the Verge” project covered an area of south-west Lincolnshire, Rutland and east Leicestershire that is defined by its underlying limestone geology.  The thin lime-rich soils found here can support a very high biodiversity if limestone grassland can be conserved and managed appropriately.  Funding was provided by Natural England, SITA Trust and Ringway.
     • Over 135 volunteers have so far been active in the Limestone Area
     • 1259km of road surveyed
     • 75km of road or approximately 40 hectares (100 acres) of road verge have been designated as new Local Wildlife Sites
     • 41% of the limestone project area still remains unexplored and could contain verges important for local wildlife
   www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/index.php
   
   
3. The Heritage Lottery Fund
   Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects, allocating £4.5 billion across the UK, including over £235million to the East Midlands alone.
   www.hlf.org.uk
   
   
4. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
   Founded in 1948, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is dedicated to safeguarding wildlife and wild places in Lincolnshire and promoting understanding and enjoyment of the natural world from the Humber to the Wash.  With over 25,000 members and around 100 nature reserves, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Lincolnshire. Our vision is for Lincolnshire, North and North-East Lincolnshire, and the neighbouring sea and estuaries to be rich in wildlife for the benefit of everyone.
   www.lincstrust.org.uk 
   Twitter: @LincsWildlife
   Facebook: LincolnshireWildlifeTrust
   
   
5. The Wildlife Trusts
   There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney.  All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.  We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch.  Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas.  We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife.
   www.wildlifetrusts.org
   

For further information please contact

Mark Schofield, Life on the Verge Project Officer, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01507 526667
Mobile: 07825970930
Email: mschofield@lincstrust.co.uk

-- OR --

Rachel Shaw, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01507 526667   (ansaphone out of office hours)
Fax: 01507 525732
Email: Rachel Shaw

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF

Website: www.lincstrust.org.uk