NETWORK Rail is to begin tree and vegetation management on a nine-mile stretch of the Highland railway line between Faskally and Pitagowan.
Engineers will work to clear woody material in a 6m section between the outside rail and the boundary. Noxious and invasive non-native weeds within the railway corridor will also be treated.
Environmental surveys have been carried out ahead of the work, with the area being inspected for nested birds and protected species. Network Rail has also worked with its ecologists to minimise the impact of the work on the environment.
Rochelle McAllister, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said, “We manage thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to ensure that everything which grows lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains. Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, we aim to protect the safety of the operational railway line. This keeps passengers safe and reduces risks for lineside neighbours.
“Elements of this work are unavoidably at night for safety reasons however the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.”
