Network Rail has completed one mile of fencing on Glasgow’s south side, with an adorable addition.
Hedgehog-friendly holes have been included in the fencing at Muirend, allowing the woodland creatures to make their way around railway grounds freely. After a successful first trial at Lanark station, the Muirend update is the largest of its kind from Network Rail.
The holes have been placed at regular spots along the bottom of the new timber fencing, creating the 'Hedgehog Highway' where the animals can move between their nests and foraging habitats. Railway embankments are popular with hedgehogs, with the mix of trees and vegetation providing perfect areas for them.
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Sam McIlvaney, Scheme Project Manager, said: “Muirend is the first site where we will be adding hedgehog holes as standard to our timber fencing renewals.
“We have already used this approach on some back-garden fencing work, but this is the first large-scale fencing renewal where we have been able to add the hedgehog holes.
“We are committed to minimising our ecological and environmental impacts and something as simple as adding holes to fences will make a positive contribution to protecting these little creatures for future generations to love.”
Network Rail hopes that over time, the Hedgehog Highway will help reverse the current decline in hedgehog numbers - and that they will become more frequent sights in gardens and other green spaces.
The organisation is working in conjunction with Hogwatch, a project which raises awareness of the declining hedgehog populations and helps create suitable habitats.
Hogwatch is conducting torchlight surveys, a variety of events and training courses, and working with schools to help implement hedgehog friendly changes to the landscape.
If you’re interested in getting involved, you can volunteer on hedgehog safari, HogWatch in your own garden or take part in a hedgehog course. Find out more here.
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