Network Rail is carrying out tree and vegetation management on the line between Evanton and Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands.

For around 16 weeks, the work will be carried out overnight until September along an 8-mile stretch of the Far North line. Trees and vegetation will be cleared from a 3-metre strip from the outside rail to the railway boundary. It will also treat any noxious and invasive non-native weeds within the railway corridor. The work is needed to keep passengers safe and trains punctual and to reduce the risk for lineside neighbours.

Other trees within falling distance of the railway will be selectively felled or cut back to leave a well-balanced tree canopy. Any heritage, landscape specimen trees will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be retained where it is safe to do so.

Environmental surveys were carried out before the work started and the area was inspected for nesting birds and protected species. Network Rail also worked with its ecologists to minimise the impact of the work on the environment.

Those living closest to the line have been advised about the work by letter, which has a FAQs section that anticipates and responds to many of the concerns people have raised when Network Rail has carried out this type of work in other areas.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about this work they can contact Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 114141.

Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager for the vegetation clearance work, said: “Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to ensure that everything which grows lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains.

“Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, Network Rail aims to protect the safety of the operational railway line. This keeps passengers safe and reduces risks for lineside neighbours.

“Elements of this work are unavoidably at night for safety reasons, however the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.”