NETWORK Rail has released a new short film detailing how it is helping adders, and other reptilian and amphibian wildlife, thrive on habitats along the UK’s railway line.
As Britain’s only venomous snakes, adders are rare – but they are found across all parts of the country and many habitats created beside the railway are ‘perfect’ for them and other reptiles.
Signalling and power cables are traditionally placed in concrete troughs along the line, which Network Rail explained provide ‘fantastic’ sheltered warm spots for snakes to hide – and in the breeding season, allow for grass snakes to look after their eggs and adders to give birth.
Alex Baldwin, Network Rail ecologist, said, “The nature of the lineside is that it creates excellent spaces for snakes to bask – as cold-blooded animals they can’t raise their body temperatures any other way – but there is also usually enough vegetation to provide homes for the creatures they eat too and places to hide from predators. And very importantly, there is minimal disturbance from people, which is key.
“We’re also managing our lineside more sensitively today. We try and retain low-growing native species, create features such as log piles, and generally improve the lineside as a wildlife corridor.
“We advise our colleagues working on the railway on how to be respectful of snakes, not just because they are protected species, but also because adders are venomous. Although their bites are rarely serious, it’s still not something you want to be dealing with at work!”
