Letter: Network Rail Must Restore Nesting Sites Blocked During Viaduct Repairs
In a letter to The Guardian, Sue Atkinson highlights the failure of Network Rail to restore nesting sites for sand martins at the Inver viaduct in Perthshire, drawing parallels to recent controversies involving swifts in Derbyshire. Atkinson notes that during repointing works on the viaduct over the River Braan in early 2024, Network Rail blocked existing nesting holes used by a colony of sand martins. Despite repeated assurances that mitigation measures would be implemented, and contrary to the organization's own biodiversity strategy, no alternative nesting sites have been restored to date. The author expresses deep concern over this neglect, describing it as another detrimental impact on an already fragile and fragmented natural environment. By referencing the similar situation at Chapel Milton viaduct, Atkinson hopes that current campaigners fighting for swift conservation will achieve better results than those who advocated for the sand martins in Perthshire. The letter serves as a critical commentary on infrastructure maintenance practices that disregard wildlife protection commitments, urging accountability from Network Rail for their environmental obligations.
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Letter: Network Rail Must Restore Nesting Sites Blocked During Viaduct Repairs
In a letter to The Guardian, Sue Atkinson highlights the failure of Network Rail to restore nesting sites for sand martins at the Inver viaduct in Perthshire, drawing parallels to recent controversies involving swifts in Derbyshire. Atkinson notes that during repointing works on the viaduct over the River Braan in early 2024, Network Rail blocked existing nesting holes used by a colony of sand martins. Despite repeated assurances that mitigation measures would be implemented, and contrary to the organization's own biodiversity strategy, no alternative nesting sites have been restored to date. The author expresses deep concern over this neglect, describing it as another detrimental impact on an already fragile and fragmented natural environment. By referencing the similar situation at Chapel Milton viaduct, Atkinson hopes that current campaigners fighting for swift conservation will achieve better results than those who advocated for the sand martins in Perthshire. The letter serves as a critical commentary on infrastructure maintenance practices that disregard wildlife protection commitments, urging accountability from Network Rail for their environmental obligations.
The Guardian