Trainline wildlife is being harmed

Our railway embankments have always been a haven of wildlife.

Living alongside the Maidenhead to Marlow line, I have been privileged to see many species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that found safe refuge in the railway vegetation alongside the track.

Species such as slow worms, hedgehogs, toads and a variety of birds have depended upon the insects there and the wild fruits growing there – species of wildlife that are now becoming so rare.

Recently, local residents received a letter from Network Rail Community Relations to inform us that they needed to prune and, where absolutely necessary, remove vegetation within four metres of the track edge.

I contacted Network Rail Community Relations as I was concerned about the wildlife I knew was there.

I was reassured that this would mean just cutting a few branches off and some strimming where necessary.

However, last month I watched in horror as an almost complete tree removal took place.

Oaks, cherry, crab apple and elderberry – all the wild species that our wildlife depends upon – was cut down.

A poplar tree, the last in a line of them, was reduced to half its size and may not survive.

Brambles have been left by the metal fencing and partially hide the devastation.

Seeing logs being driven away, I wondered how many small creatures lay crushed under the heavy tree trunks.

I have regularly seen hedgehogs and slow worms disappear into the undergrowth and it is a toad migration route to the Strande Lake, going straight across the railway and down to the road.

Toads are already struggling for survival. So, no more birdsong for us, no more shade from the hot sun and no more privacy from passing trains.

Thanks for nothing Network Rail.

We have been robbed of something special.

BARBARA BROWN Lyndhurst Avenue

Cookham Rise