In total, a fantastic 22 birds species and 4 butterfly species were identified throughout both sessions (which is very good considering the time of year). The botanical workshops saw groups use indicator species to assess several key habitats, including a range of grassland types. I’m sure many will never look at false oat grass and black knapweed in same way!

Volunteers at the Sept workshop for Birds & Butterflies

It is our hope that following on from this training, individuals will now have the confidence to gather biological records on the verges throughout the Dearne (where safe to do so) and then use this information to help assess verge quality. They will then have the necessary information required to help guide and shape the management that they think would be beneficial for each location. This information will also be vital for the local biological record centres to proactively discuss how management can be altered with their local highways department.

We would also like to take the time out to thank Katie Watson of Bakers who has been co-ordinating much of the ‘On the Verge’ project this past year, who has since left to start her masters in ecology- Good Luck. A BIG thank you to Katie for all her effort, time & passion and a welcome to James Longley who will be taking over the project for the remainder- we’re in safe hands!