Hen harrier nests monitored closely during maintenance work on rail line from Rogart to Lairg
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Network Rail has revealed the efforts it made to ensure nesting hen harriers were undisturbed while work took place on the rail line between two Sutherland communities earlier this year.
Trees and vegetation along the track between Rogart and Lairg urgently needed to be cut back during the breeding season, but there were fears the work could disrupt hen harriers, a protected bird.
The area lies in the Strath Carnaig Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA).
Network Rail said its ecology team worked with the Highland Raptor Study Group to survey the line and found two nesting pairs, with one nest in close proximity to the track.
Special working practices were then put in place to minimise disruption for the birds.
A ‘high-risk works area’ was established, incorporating areas adjacent to the railway line that offered suitable nesting and foraging habitat as well as areas where hen harrier activity was noted. No work was allowed in the area around the nests until all breeding ended.
Measures were also put in place to reduce noise disturbance including the use of battery-operated chainsaws and time-limited working in any single area to keep noise to a minimum.
A camera was also installed to monitor the nesting locations throughout the work and to check that there were no signs of disturbance.
And three hen harrier chicks successfully fledged from nests adjacent to the work site.
Network Rail senior asset engineer Jonathan Callis said: “We take our responsibility to the lineside environment and Scotland’s wildlife extremely seriously but sometimes need to carry our work during bird nesting season.
“We are delighted that the care, professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by everyone who contributed to this project has resulted in such a successful outcome for the birds.”
Brian Etheridge, of the Highland Raptor Study Group, said: “It was a pleasure to carry out ornithological surveys with Network Rail between Rogart and Lairg.”
