According to CSU ecology researcher Peter Spooner, stock routes and road reserves are the last remaining areas of intact native vegetation in many farming regions.

“Overgrazing by cattle and sheep can devastate native vegetation that exists along many road corridors. However, farmers traditionally have used roadside areas for extra feed to keep their stock alive during harsh drought conditions,” Mr Spooner said.

“Some short-term ‘crash’ grazing of these areas will not usually cause long-term harm to native plants and may benefit regeneration in some situations,” he said.

“However, prolonged overgrazing in drought conditions may cause adverse effects, such as local extinction of native species, soil compaction and weed invasions.”

The conservation values of roadside environments has been recognised by local communities in recent years, with roadside conservation plans developed by many local government and rural lands protection boards across NSW. Some plans have even been recognised legally through local council by-laws.

“If groups who use and manage road reserves – farmers, drovers and local land managers – follow the conservation plans, then they should avoid prolonged overgrazing of sensitive areas, particularly roadsides of high conservation status. In many areas, these roads are sign-posted as ‘Significant Roadside Environment Area’ and should not be grazed.”

Spring is a particularly sensitive time for grazing roadside reserves. Many native grasses, herbs and shrubs are flowering and producing seed. 

“But if native plants are allowed to flower and drop seed, then stock routes and road reserves will recover better in the next growing season. Roadside reserves can still be used for emergency feed over summer, especially those of low conservation status, which could be vital for the life and health of livestock during a drought,” Mr Spooner said.

Mr Spooner is currently undertaking studies that aim to gain a better understanding of native shrub regeneration along roadside reserves in the NSW Riverina region.