Flora and Fauna protected while railway engineering work intensifies

Report by Andy Dickenson.

Engineering works are ongoing - with railway stations closed between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells - but experts have been working to protect the wildlife in the area.

This doormouse box has been placed up in the trees, away from the prying eyes of owls.

The hidden boxes protect from predators

Other species of wildlife are also being monitored.

Sophie Mairesse, from Network Rail, talks about the work to protect badgers.Trees suffering from Ash dieback have been cut down and, in a bid to improve biodiversity, some of the canopy at the cutting is being thinned, some stumps mimicking the impact of lightning strikes, scars and holes providing a safety for birds, bats and invertebrates.

Trees suffering from Ash dieback have been cut down

These measures have all been implemented within view of a £12.5 million pound upgrade for the railway.

The cutting is in the process of being repaired because it is susceptible to landslides. Netting will finally fix this cutting in place, lasting around 80 years.

Fencing will be put in place to prevent anything falling onto the line.

The entire project will take until May to complete.