ALT Northern Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza purpurella) growing in a species-rich sward on a road verge in Cumbria. These loosely-managed areas are some of the most accessible examples of meadows in the North of England. Not only are they fantastic for their array of colours, they’re also a reflection of the species that naturally grow in the area and they furthermore stretch for miles, acting as wildlife corridors between habitats. Such areas are fantastic habitats for our birds, butterflies and other animals - supporting from the ground up. If we want a richer wildlife, we need richer habitats; more areas such as these. There are a lot of roads and these verges represent huge areas of land that could better serve nature. Road verges are often the remnants of meadows from times gone by, and many of them preserve species that have been lost from the areas around them. With loose management, these verges can be returned to their former glory, like these ones have.