Lanark station has just seen the installation of ‘Hedgehog Highways' by Network Rail Scotland. These new hedgehog-friendly access routes allow the prickly creatures to roam freely around the railway land and an escape route if needed.
The highways have been created simply by cutting small holes at regular spots at the base of the boundary fences.
Hedgehogs are attracted to the railway embankments as it offers them protection with trees and vegetation coverage, which is also an excellent food source for them to forage and feed in – the perfect sanctuary.
Network Rail was contacted earlier this year by a local resident who was concerned hedgehogs were stuck behind the Lanark station boundary fence. The Network Rail team, which consisted of an in-house ecologists visited Lanark to investigate firsthand what was happening and how they could fix the issue. The solution was, of course, the ‘hedgehog highway'. The holes now allow the hedgehogs to move around freely to feed and get back to their nests safely.
Signs shaped as hedgehogs mark the route, and an information board is on display to raise the understanding of the difficulties they face as well, the work that has been carried out as well as an awareness of hedgehogs generally.
If the hedgehog highways at Lanark work, then the plan by Network Rail is to cut a hedgehog hole at the bottom of each back garden fence that is renewed. Their work will hopefully help stop the drop in numbers and we will see hedgehogs increase in numbers once again, and seeing the little creatures will be more common in green spaces and gardens.
HogWatch Scotland, which is funded by The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, helps raise awareness and monitor hedgehog numbers have supported Network Rail in their work on this project at Lanark to make life a little easier for the little creatures.
Locally Network Rail are inviting people to support the People's Trust, for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's campaign ‘Hedgehog Street' which is recruiting Hedgehog Champions. To get involved or for more information, please visit Hogwatch Scotland.
Ashleigh Wylie, Network Rail Scotland ecologist, commented: “We really appreciate members of the public taking the time to bring things to our attention – particularly where animals may be at risk and we can do something to help – as with the hedgehogs at Lanark station.”
“Network Rail is committed to our environment and we manage our lineside with safety, performance and biodiversity in mind. As part of a team of ecologists, we get to offer advice on protected species and habitat management to colleagues working on the railway.”
“It is great when we see this advice transformed into practical action with the solutions we have advised or developed implemented and working to protect creatures on or around the railway.”
“We are hopeful that when the Hedgehogs waken from their hibernation, the Hedgehog Highway will provide a safe way for them to move freely to and from the railway.”
Eilidh Call, Senior Project Officer, HogWatch Scotland, commented: “Hedgehog numbers are in decline and part of the reason is garden fences and walls reduce the amount of land available to them.”
“By making life a little easier for them by removing the barriers within our control –making holes in or under our garden fences and walls for them to pass through – we are helping them to feed and to find a mate. Quite directly helping to address the decline in numbers.”
“We are delighted that Network Rail Scotland will be creating Hedgehog Highways on fencing renewals going forward as this will help these much-loved little creatures access food-rich environments. It will really make a positive contribution to protecting these little creatures for future generations to love.”
