Restore species-rich grassland on road verges

Overall effectiveness category Awaiting assessment
Number of studies: 1
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Study locations

Key messages

One replicated controlled trial showed that road verges planted with native prairie vegetation in Kansas, USA supported a greater number and diversity of bees than frequently mown grassed verges.

About key messages

Key messages provide a descriptive index to studies we have found that test this intervention.

Studies are not directly comparable or of equal value. When making decisions based on this evidence, you should consider factors such as study size, study design, reported metrics and relevance of the study to your situation, rather than simply counting the number of studies that support a particular interpretation.

Supporting evidence from individual studies

A replicated controlled trial in Kansas, USA (Hopwood 2008) found that seven road verges planted with native prairie grasses and flowers supported a greater number and diversity of bees than paired conventionally managed verges, four to five years after planting. Restored verges were mown every two to four years, or burned annually, while conventionally managed verges were mown three to four times during each growing season and certain weeds treated with herbicide. In total, 812 bees from 79 species were found on restored verges, compared to 353 bees from 53 species on conventionally managed verges. The verges studied were all 18-84 m wide. Verge width, slope, aspect and density of traffic on the adjacent road made no difference to the bee community. Native prairie vegetation includes bunch grasses, which grow in a way that leaves bare ground exposed and provides potential nesting areas for ground-nesting bees.
Study and other actions tested
Referenced paper
Hopwood J.L. (2008) The contribution of roadside grassland restorations to native bee conservation. Biological Conservation, 141, 2632-2640.

Please cite as:

Dicks, L.V., Showler, D.A. & Sutherland, W.J. (2010) Bee conservation: evidence for the effects of interventions. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter, UK

Where has this evidence come from?

List of journals searched by synopsis

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This Action forms part of the Action Synopsis:

Bee Conservation

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	Restore species-rich grassland on road verges Action Link	Awaiting assessment	1	Synopsis Link
	Manage land under power lines for wildlife Action Link	Awaiting assessment	1	Synopsis Link