1. ASD - Heritage Assets and Biodiversity Spencer Dicks Senior Highway Coordination Officer Devon County Council

2. First off I think it best to do a quick overview on additional street data (ASD) as this is where this information would sit within our systems.

3. What is Additional Street Data (ASD)? Firstly its worth noting that ASD is not some deadly disease. In fact it should be treated as our friend. ASD is data that is held in the National Street Gazetteer and is extremely useful to both the Highway Authorities and any statutory bodies wanting to work on the network. The data covers the following information Whether the highway is publicly maintained or privately owned. What the reinstatement type is for a particular part of highway. Is the highway - carriageway, footway, footpath etc. Are there any height, weight or length restrictions in place. Are there any special designations like traffic sensitivity, special engineering difficulties, special surfaces, speed limits, parking restrictions and special events, too name but a few.

4. From a Highway Authorities perspective. Why is accurate ASD data important?

5. Stop unnecessary damage to asset. Imagine as a resident you’ve just had your street nicely resurfaced and the flaming council allow someone to dig a massive trench through it. “What a waste of my tax money, I DON’T BELIEVE IT!” Why is accurate ASD data important? The Highway Authority can serve restrictions that can be displayed on the ASD prior to any works taking place and allow for other works take to place before any resurfacing. It also allows the resurfacing to be protected or to have greater control over any further reinstatements required for a set period.

6. To allow for effective coordination. Why is accurate ASD data important? “Traffic lights AGAIN! I just want to get to work!” There is nothing more annoying to a motorist when the commute to work, or a simple weekly trip to the post office to collect the pension is hampered by several lots of works taking place within a few months of each other.

7. Why is accurate ASD data important? To avoid working during commuting and seasonal peak periods. The South West road network deals with thousands of people commuting to work every day. So works on arterial routes, or in our cities and towns can have a massive impact on our network and be a huge inconvenience to the travelling public. The South West also has many holiday hotspots. There's nothing worse than travelling a few hundred miles and relishing the thought of getting to your destination and relaxing with a nice beer to come up against…….

8. Why is accurate ASD data important?

9. To avoid working during commuting and seasonal peak periods. The Highway Authority can target the primary routes to ensure that works are coordinated to avoid busy periods. We can look at undertaking collaborative working or where this is not possible, request that works take place consecutively to greatly reduce disruption.

10. Why is accurate ASD data important? Ensure the correct materials are used. Using the wrong materials will undoubtedly have a drastic affect on the network. The Highway Authority provides data on the carriageway type which will in turn provide the correct reinstatement materials and avoid…….

11. Why is accurate ASD data important?

12. From a Statutory Undertakers perspective. Why is accurate ASD data important?

13. Greater pre planning information is available so there should be less nasty shocks when works start. for example:- Reinstatement type – the correct materials to use. Any road that has special engineering difficulties are highlighted – talk to the correct people before you start. The possibility of making savings by sharing traffic management costs – The Authority can highlight traffic sensitive areas and promote collaborative working. To name but a few.

14. The Future

15. Heritage Assets

16. SWHAUC currently has a working group set up to look at how highway authorities can better display any data on historical sites. In general this information will be held somewhere but in various formats and locations. The objective of this working group is to assess how feasible it is to get this data on the ASD as this is the best place to store this data so that all stakeholders can access it. Heritage assets include the following features. Historic cobbled highway Buried sites of archaeological interest Ancient monuments Historic buildings Conservation areas Historic street furniture

17. Heritage Asset Examples

18. Heritage Assets A roman road.

19. Heritage Assets A roman arena!

20. Heritage Assets A roman for the ladies!

21. Heritage Assets The main goal at present is to scope out how much work this project may need in order to get the data on to the ASD. Devon County Council are at present concentrating on historic surfaces data (cobbled streets). We have highlighted 3 conservation areas across Devon and in the next few weeks these sites are to be visited and cross referenced, for accuracy against data we currently hold in other systems. We will possibly also pick up on anything that we currently hold no data for. Once we have this we can enter the data on to the ASD. This process will give an idea of timescales and a projection on the length of time required to complete the process for all 400 plus conservation areas within Devon.

22. Heritage Assets We really want to give everyone access to this data. At the end of the day do you really want these guys in your trench for 3 days?

23. Heritage Assets If you do, don’t expect an extension from me!

24. Biodiversity (Special Verges)

25. ‘Special Verges’ offer an opportunity to conserve and manage a large extent of grassland for a variety of species. They provide an important habitat and corridors for the movement of species, and support a wide variety of plant and animal communities, which are important indicators for the quality of our biodiversity. Devon County Council operates a ‘special verges’ scheme with numerous sites designated and have, quite by accident created many more due to our revised grass cutting policy. As we have a smaller budget (and getting smaller) these days we took a stance to only cut areas that are vital for safety. So as a result we have created a lot of wildlife areas, that may in turn be designated as biodiversity sites. Special Verges

26. There are many types of wildlife associated with roadside verges that may benefit from these areas. Over 100 species have been identified as requiring action in the Biodiversity Steering Group's report. Not all of these occur in verges but the list is still extensive. Some of these species are now deemed as vulnerable. Birds Nightingale, Hen Harrier, Skylark and House Sparrow Insects Bees, Moths, Butterflies, Grasshoppers, Crickets, Beetles, Ants, Dragonflies and Flies. Mammals Rabbit, Doormouse, Hedgehog, Voles and Otter. Reptiles Slow Worm, Grass Snake and Adder Amphibians Frogs and Toads Plants Orchids, Mushrooms and Mosses Special Verges

27. Those who know me well, know that I am a very keen bird watcher. Special Verges

29. That picture was actually just up the road at Shapwick Heath last year. An extremely rare bird turned up and yes I’m there somewhere! So these issues are quite close to my heart as the UK’s wildlife is under extreme pressure and needs a helping hand. What can we do to help? Ask about Special Verges in your area. Leave cutting to authorised contractors. Avoid planting trees and non-native plants such as bulbs, bluebells and other garden plants. Become a Verge Rep and help to monitor the verges. Encourage local councillors and MPs to protect Special Roadside Verges. Enjoy the beauty of natural wild flowers and grasses and encourage others to do the same, so that future generations can enjoy them too. Special Verges

30. Questions during the next feedback session