Newts get new homes as rail line is improved
FIRST LICENCE OF ITS KIND WILL SEE CREATION OF NEW HABITATS
GREAT crested newts will be protected during a major railway engineering project on the Midland Mainline.
Network Rail pledged that habitats will be created for the rare amphibians where the upgrade of the line disrupts their homes.
The firm said it is the first organisation of its kind to be granted a licence under a scheme launched last year by government agency Natural England.
In June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag” on productivity, holding up construction.
The new system which replaces counting with soil, sediment and water sampling, is aimed at speeding up and improving protection for the amphibians.
Conservationists look after the species using money from developers to create and manage ponds and habitats.
The scheme is run by NatureSpace, which brings together planning authorities, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and other experts.
Network Rail route director Gary Walsh said: “We’re committed to supporting wildlife and increasing biodi
SCIENCE AND NATURE: City artist Lucy Stevens versity. This can be a tricky balance for our industry, which relies upon heavy engineering and important standards to keep everyone safe.
“We’re delighted to have received a licence from Natural England that will allow us to actively improve how we look after this vital protected species while still delivering infrastructure investment.”
NatureSpace chief executive Dr Tom Tew said: “The great thing about this licence is it delivers a long-term and landscape-scale approach to the conservation of a rare species.
“Not only are individual newts moved out of harm’s way during rail operations, we and our partners are creating and managing top-quality new ponds and habitats along the length of the railway line.
“It’s quicker for Network Rail and avoids delays to engineering but it’s also much better for great crested newts and for a host of other wildlife, too.”
AN artist will explore the impact of climate change on bird species in her latest solo show.
Lucy Stevens said Chasing Seasons will “bring together art and science using a variety of creative techniques and skills” at her studio in Leicester.
She will collaborate with experts from the British Trust of Ornithology and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
Lucy said: “I am looking forward to collaborating with experts who can provide insight into the decline of birds due to climate change.
“This is a chance to delve into bird-related research and produce a creative response to demonstrate the importance of nature and our connection to it.”
Peter Knott, of Arts Council England, which is backing the exhibition, said: “Creativity has the power to help us explore the world around us, connect with nature and learn about our relationship with the environment.
“We hope Lucy’s unique work fusing scientific research and creativity will help to inspire and educate those who experience it.”
The exhibition runs from May 7 to and 20 at StudionAme, Brougham Street, Leicester.