Ecology Link has continued to undertake a variety of surveys along the UK railway network throughout 2017 and 2018 and been involved in a range of habitat management and species protection projects.
Rail embankments, due to their restricted public access, provide diverse and species rich habitats and a haven for wildlife. They provide excellent linear connectivity to the wider environment and a mosaic of adjacent habitats.
We have been providing ECoW’s for large scale vegetation management projects over the last 12 months. This has involved overseeing tree pollarding and felling of overhanging specimens; surveying for nesting birds; identifying bat roost potential; protection of badger setts; protection of hibernacula for reptiles and amphibians; and identifying invasive and toxic plant species. We have worked closely with contractors and Network Rail staff in managing the habitats within rail land, ensuring the retention of valuable habitat features for protected species.
Vegetation removal 
Old sleepers – refuge for amphibians & reptiles 
Badger sett exclusion area 
Tree retained with bat roost potential 
Bat roost cavity in large ash tree 
Slow worm found under rubbish along rail embankment 
Embankment vegetation