Network Rail has released details of the environmental measures taken at Dalgety Bay to compensate for the removal of trees from land next to the railway.
Significant progress has now been made to remove and cut back the trees which were affecting safety and performance on the line through Dalgety Bay station.
Network Rail is now implementing some of the ecology measures that had been promised in advance of the works – including selectively retaining trees to create a commuting corridor for wildlife with bat and bird boxes also being installed to supplement the retained natural features.
Habitat piles have also been created from some of the felled material to support invertebrates and insects which contribute to improving the overall diversity of the lineside.
Ahead of the work, ecologists conducted surveys for breeding birds and other protected species as well as identifying those trees, including a proportion of high leaf fall species, to be retained.
When the felling and removal of trees is complete, the area will be replanted with native trees and shrubs including Hawthorn, Scots Pine, Rowan, Hazel, Birch and Alder. The level of restocking carried out will allow the lineside to become a more species rich area which will benefit the surrounding wildlife.
When replanting, to protect the newly planted trees and shrubs, biodegradable tree shelters will be used instead of plastic, as a more environmentally friendly option.
The new lineside environment will be maintained up to five years to manage the regrowth of woodland, to improve biodiversity and to offset the impact of the work on the local area. It will also create a lineside environment that benefits the safety of the operational railway.
Work at Dalgety Bay station is ongoing and scheduled to complete in March.
Kirsty Armstrong, Network Rail project manager for tree and vegetation management, said: “The project is progressing well and we have started taking proactive steps to off-set the impact of removing trees and to create a better overall lineside environment
“The tree species which will be replanted are not large leaved and will greatly reduce the impact that leaf fall has on the safe operation of the railway in this area.
“Involving our ecologists in the project from the outset has helped us plan the work in a way that minimises the impact on the ecology and wildlife and helps us promote biodiversity and the sustainable management of the railway.”
If anyone has any questions or concerns about this work they can contact Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Photo and video credit: Network Rail
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