Adders, Britain’s sole venomous snakes, are rare but widespread throughout the country, from Cornwall to Scotland.

The habitats formed by railways provide ideal conditions for them and other reptiles.

Shap Fell, situated between Penrith and Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line, is a prominent example, as highlighted in the film.

Signalling and power cables placed in concrete troughs alongside the tracks, provide ideal sheltered and warm spots for snakes to hide.

These locations become especially attractive during the breeding season, as grass snakes find them perfect for egg incubation, and adders use them to give birth to their offspring.

“The nature of the lineside is that it creates excellent spaces for snakes to bask – as cold-blooded animals they can’t raise their body temperatures any other way – but there is also usually enough vegetation to provide homes for the creatures they eat too and places to hide from predators. And very importantly, there is minimal disturbance from people, which is key.

Alex Baldwin Network Rail ecologist

The video explores a repurposed railway yard in Northamptonshire that has been transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife, with the aspiration of becoming a habitat for Great Crested Newts.

Increasing bio-diversity is important to aid the environment, and with many tracksides acting as wildlife corridors across the country, it’s vital to many species who depend on them for survival.

Of late, six stations in Hertfordshire have been helping by building homes for nature at local stations, this is just one of several eco-friendly projects that have happened this year, which have also included bug hotels being installed in North Yorkshire, and the ‘Platforms for Change’ programme encouraging youngsters to get involved in their local rail community projects at their local station.