Network Rail has announced an extensive programme of line management works along 250km of the Edinburgh-Glasgow and Borders railway lines.

Ayrshire-based QTS has been awarded a contract for the delivery of the work which is part of the first phase of a wider programme of tree and vegetation management projects across Scotland's Railway.

The contract, which covers the first year of the programme, will see trees and vegetation cleared up to six metres either side of the tracks on land within the railway boundary. Any noxious or invasive weeds – such as Japanese knotweed – will also be treated.

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Once cleared, the railway will undergo routine annual maintenance to control vegetation growth.

Ahead of the work starting, ecological surveys were carried out to identify any nesting birds, protected species or sensitive habitat sites.

As the work is delivered, specialist ecologists will continue to monitor and safeguard protected species living within the railway.

Biodiversity enhancements will also be delivered where appropriate – including the installation of bat and bird boxes and habitat piles.

Train services will not be affected during work, which will take place over both day and night shifts.

Douglas Craig, Network Rail programme director, said: "We manage thousands of kilometres of trees and vegetation along the railway and programmes like this are essential to providing a safe and reliable service for our customers.

"Elements of this work can only be delivered at night for safety reasons and the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and will try to minimise any disruption for nearby residents."