How can highway asset management software for highway grass maintenance support biodiversity?
At KaarbonTech, we believe that using highway asset management software can have a dramatic impact on supporting the protection of biodiversity in roadside verges. Our Grass SMART software enables grass cutting programmes to be created which can identify the areas of roadside verges that require grass cutting for safety reasons, and those that can be left untouched to support pollinators' habitats, preserving and even improving the biodiversity of the area.
Protecting our flora and fauna
Roadside verges are vital habitats for wildflowers and insects, and leaving some areas of the grass uncut can be beneficial to their survival. Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the reproduction of many plant species. Grass SMART can highlight those areas where a total or partial cut is appropriate. By leaving some areas of the roadside verges untouched, the habitats of these pollinators are supported, and the biodiversity of the area is preserved. Additionally, these areas provide beautiful wildflowers for the enjoyment of the local community and all passing road users.
Maintaining safety for all road users
Visibility for road safety is essential, and Grass SMART identifies areas that require grass cutting for safety reasons. Overgrown verges can obstruct the view for drivers and make it difficult for them to see other road users, hazards, or roadside signs. Within Grass SMART, partial cuts can be programmed, allowing lines of sight to be maintained whilst still leaving part of an area uncut. Visibility splays are prioritised within the software, ensuring they receive the required attention within grass cutting programmes.
Supporting cost savings
By prioritising areas that require attention, but reducing the width of cuts to support wildlife, highway maintenance budgets for grass cutting can be reduced. The use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and drawing polygon areas for clarity and accuracy ensures our Grass SMART software can determine where grass cutting is necessary for safety reasons and where it can be left untouched. This helps to support pollinators' habitats and preserve the biodiversity of the area.
Our Grass SMART software supports road safety and biodiversity, making it an efficient and cost-effective tool for managing ever-decreasing highway maintenance budgets. Head to Grass SMART for more information.