Case Record – Carillion Rail makes life better for local otters

Details:

Date: Location: Client: Main Contractor:

May 2003 Glasgow Network Rail Carillion Rail

Issue

When Carillion Rail, Scotland were commissioned by Network Rail to strengthen an existing embankment which was slipping due to water ingress, they had no idea of the environmental issues that were soon to arise. The site, which was next to a council estate, was a designated corridor of wildlife with tree preservation orders, otter lying up sites and the ideal habitat for water voles. A fox den was also evident. The site was also covered in Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed which needed to be removed before any works could commence.

Solution

Carillion Rail enlisted the services of an ecologist to advise on actions to be taken to preserve the area. Consultation took place on site with Scottish Natural Heritage who advised that a disturbance licence for the otters was required. Works could only commence after a noise bund was erected to protect the otters as their lying up site was only 20 – 30 yards from the worksite. The fox den was removed under supervision from our ecologist. The invasive weeds were removed, construction works took place and the pH levels of the burn were monitored on a daily basis to ensure our works were not affecting the acidity levels of the burn.

Carillion Rail also informed all local residents of the works and kept them fully informed at all stages throughout the construction period. Scottish Natural Heritage indicated that Carillion Rail should provide an ‘access ramp’ for the otters to lead them out of the water and onto the embankment. Again this was done under supervision from our ecologist.

Carillion Rail then decided to create otter holts to enhance the habitat of the otters. As the burn was littered with shopping trolleys, litter, doors etc they also decided to de-litter the burn and reinstate it to its original form despite the fact that this was not part of their contract

Business Benefits:

• Pollution risk minimized - Straw bales used during construction to prevent silt and other pollutants entering the watercourse.
• Improved customer relations - Enhance relationship with Network Rail, initiatives undertaken at own cost.
• Improved community relations - Local residents informed of on site activities, demonstration of commitment to environmental protection and habitat improvement, re-planting scheme, using native species will also be undertaken.