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The aim of this study was to gather information from international literature and local case studies to help Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and sector partners identify, assess, monitor and manage road edge effects on biodiversity. This study is intended to enable the identification of beneficial effects of roads on biodiversity that could be expanded and adverse effects that can be reduced. The research found that there are both positive and negative impacts on the roadside environment from roads and roading projects, depending on the nature of the existing environment. More research is needed to develop specific monitoring and mitigation methods for New Zealand conditions. A four-step method to assess road edge effects was developed via desktop analysis for this project. Field assessment is recommended to validate the desktop modelling assessments.

Keywords: assessment of edge-effects, biodiversity, ecosystems, mitigation, road edge-effects

Contributing authors:

• R Simcock, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Auckland
• J Innes, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Hamilton
• O Samarasinghe, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Hamilton
• S Lambie, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Hamilton
• P Peterson, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Palmerston North
• A Glen, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Auckland
• N Faville, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Palmerston North