Have we got newts for you!

Published on Monday 28 December 2009 09:42

THEY are perhaps not the first pieces of building work you would associate with a £300 million rail project.

But engineers have been busy constructing artificial badger setts, otter holts and even a "newt fence" to help protect some of the smaller residents living next to the new Airdrie to Bathgate line.

The rail route, which will be used by trains travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is the longest new section of railway constructed in Scotland in half a century.

Work is well under way, with the new line expected to open in the new year.

However, it is the measures taken to safeguard protected species along the route which have won the backing of environmental organisations.

These include the creation of artificial badger setts and otter holts for those animals displaced by the project.

Rail workers have also helped create a special newt fence, which prevents the newts straying on to the work site, while at the same time allowing them to move freely in their existing breeding ground.

Large populations of the great crested newt, a species protected by European law, have been found in and around Uphall Station in West Lothian.

Vivienne Gray, Scottish Natural Heritage's area officer for West Lothian, said: "Having recently been along the length of the construction site, I am happy that the collaborative working between ourselves and Network Rail has paid off.

"Protected species are being managed effectively and natural habitats are being preserved. With an independent monitoring officer being appointed to monitor the work, Network Rail is giving the right level of priority to these issues."

A key part of the project's development was to complete a full Environmental Impact Assessment and develop a Landscape and Habitat Management Plan with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Both agencies have now provided praise for Network Rail's approach to the project.

Mervyn MacGregor, an environmental protection officer from Sepa, said: "Sepa have been involved in the planning of this project for some time and I'm pleased to see many of our recommendations being taken on board through the design of the project.

"With construction along so many watercourses, it has been encouraging to see Network Rail proactively involving our agency."

Other work carried out includes protecting the Hillend reservoir in Midlothian from becoming choked with silt.

Ron McAulay, director of Network Rail in Scotland, said: "Rail is the least environmentally damaging method of public transport and we feel that the construction process should be equally considerate of the environment. We're pleased that this approach has been recognised by the appropriate authorities.

"One of the main objectives of the new line is to provide a greener, alternative transport solution to those living in the Central Belt, taking pressure off the M8 and reducing dependency on cars.

"This electrified railway will provide clean, sustainable public transport and can contribute to lower overall C02 emissions.

"In addition, we are building a new cycle route alongside the line to encourage bike use for shorter journeys."