Routeway colonisation

Discuss the extent to which distinctive ecologies develop along routeways.

Distinctive habitats are found along routeways because exotic and alien species can be introduced by passing cars, trains and boats depending on where the routeway is located. These ecologies are unique because transport passing by disperses non-native seeds and since some of these routeways are generally not interfered with or managed by humans, unique habitats can develop.

Along train tracks, access is usually restricted by fences and walls and so wildlife is often encouraged to live there such as badgers and foxes. Brambles that have colonised make perfect habitats for nesting, nevertheless the area may be at risk of vandalism by youths and litter thrown from trains and cars. If maintenance does take place along this routeway, then natural succession will be restricted. Since main train stations are usually found in urban areas, these routeways may be the only suitable habitat for wildlife and the safest place for them to develop and live. Any human interference could have an adverse effect on the succession of the routeway. For instance grass may be cut for aesthetics, tarmac may be laid for easy maintenance-vehicle access, pesticides may be sprayed to prevent weeds, tree branches or whole trees may be cut down for safety. All of these impact on the ecosystem and can disrupt food chains of animals which can prevent certain species from colonising.

Roads are usually edged by afforested areas which can soften noise and provide the perfect habitat for birds and small mammals such as squirrels and voles. When roads are salted in winter, halophytes such as Glasswort can colonise as a result of the salty verges. However, threats of this routeway include pollution and verge management. Grass cutting and planned planting of flowers may interrupt natural succession along this routeway. Also, some plants will react badly to pollution levels while others will thrive off the nitrogen and species growth will be promoted. 

Along canals, ecologies can develop and be home to species such as water fowl and aquatic plants such as moorhens, ducks and Yellow flag iris. The routeways can provide threats to ecology development since litter may collect in corners which would worsen water quality; in addition, many waterways are outlets to power stations and sewage plants thus worsening water quality and increasing acidity levels.

Pictures sourced from ::

letterfromengland.com

treefellers.co.uk

livingonanarrowboat.co.uk