Environmental specialists working alongside one of the Chiltern main line’s key rail tunnels have turned to an age-old method of land management in an effort to revive a fragile habitat—bringing in a flock of sheep to do the work machines cannot. The initiative is taking place near Harbury Tunnel, between Banbury and Leamington Spa, where a major landslip in February 2015 caused significant disruption and left the surrounding ground badly damaged.

The collapse affected not only the stability of the railway embankment but also a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to several rare butterfly species. Since then, Network Rail teams have rebuilt the embankment and sown a tailored mix of meadow grasses and wildflowers designed to support pollinating insects and encourage the return of butterflies to the area.

However, restoring the habitat has presented challenges. The steep gradient of the location makes mechanical mowing costly and complicated, especially as unmanaged tree growth threatens to overshadow the delicate environment butterflies rely on. Seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, Network Rail has partnered with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and a local farmer, introducing sheep to graze the site naturally.

The flock will remain on the embankment through the winter months, cutting back invasive grasses and weeds to give the restored habitat the best chance of flourishing next spring.

Simon Thatcher, assistant track safety engineer for Network Rail's Central route, said:

“This site represented a tricky challenge for us because of its location and the unique ecology of the area. The devastation caused by the landslip created a large depletion in the available habitat, this work will help improve the lineside ecology and improve the SSSI. We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to come to this agreement and bring the sheep onto the Embankment. They will be a welcome addition for both local wildlife and passing passengers.”

Mike Slater, chair of Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire Branch, added:

"This is a fantastic project for butterflies and we are delighted to be involved. By managing this land in the right way, we have the opportunity to create the perfect habitat for five rare species of butterfly - Small Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. In order to make this project to work, Network Rail have used a special fencing which has not been used in this way before in the UK which is high enough and sturdy enough to keep sheep safely on site. We are very grateful for this innovative work, and hope it will inspire more projects to help restore nature across the UK."

Image: Network Rail