Network Rail will start a seven-month project next week to clear vegetation from a 30-mile stretch of the Borders Railway in Scotland.

Work will last from Monday, 2nd September until Monday, 31st March 2025, but the work will not affect train services which will continue to run normally.

The specific stretch of line to be cleared is between Newcraighall and Tweedbank, and overgrown trees and vegetation within falling distance of the track will be among the vegetation cleared and is vital to keeping trains running safely and reliably.

As well as clearing noxious and invasive non-native weeds, all woody material from within the railway corridor and a three-metre strip from the outside rail to the network rail boundary will be cleared.

As a prelude to the work, environmental surveys were carried out and specialist ecologists inspected the area for nesting birds and protected species to minimise the work’s impact on wildlife and the wider environment.

The work will take account of heritage, landscape, and specimen trees, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and where it is safe to do so, they will be retained.

Letters have been sent to people who live near the line to advise them about the work, and the letter includes a FAQ section that aims to address any concerns they may have.

During the last year, Network Rail has trialled the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the detection of potential hazards such as overhanging trees and leaves, and the use of aerial saws slung from helicopters.

“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.”

Rochelle McAllister, scheme project manager, Network Rail Scotland