A new initiative has been revealed that will aim to help the country's so-called 'green corridors' to accommodate more wildlife and withstand the effects of climate change.

The term refers to the vegetation that grows alongside the transport network, and will focus on improving conditions for animals, plants and all motorists using the roads.

Three major organisations – Network Rail, the Highways Agency and Natural England – are involved in the project, which is part of the government's Natural Environment white paper that was originally released in 2011. The document promised to work towards creating "coherent and resilient ecological networks".

It's hoped that road users will benefit by experiencing fewer delays that relate to the environment, such as flooding and the effects of winter storms. Similarly, another aim is to reduce the number of accidents caused by wildlife rushing out onto the roads after being hidden in nearby undergrowth.

"This project will make these areas better than ever, helping our vital pollinators by providing a home and food for them to thrive, as well as improving the weather resilience of our transport infrastructure which will boost our economy," said environment minister Elizabeth Truss.

Other ambitions include creating ponds and wetland swales to improve the quality of drainage of water – thus reducing the chances of flooding on the roads – and offer a habitat for wildlife. These areas will also store carbon dioxide emissions, helping to reduce the effect of C02 on the wider environment.

Natural England chairman Andrew Sells noted the project could lead to a greener, more resilient road and rail network that connects people and wildlife.

The Highways Agency alone covers 30,000 hectares that contain green corridors, in addition to the land maintained by local authorities. With this in mind, the issue of improving the conditions around this terrain is no small undertaking, but the results could potentially be widely felt.

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