Tree surgeons in Barcombe save endangered bird's habitat

Arboriculturists for UK Power Network were tasked with trimming tree tops at Barcombe’s disused railway station to maintain powerlines.

As the trees at the railway station are a breeding ground for endangered Nightingales, the company worked with Barcombe Community Wildlife Group to find a solution.

Simon Linington, from the wildlife group, said: “Either side of the power lines there are trees, bushes, scrub and banks which provide habitat for migrating birds.

Nick Lear of Barcombe Wildlife Community Group with a tree cutter Josh Bruce, as they discuss what's best for Barcombe's nightingales

“The nightingale is quite a scarce bird now in Britain and the local population, mainly centred on the railway line where the power cables are, is one of the most important in Sussex.

“If the area was left it would turn into an impenetrable mass of scrub, not that valuable as a wildlife habitat. Once it grows up into dense vegetation there is no light for flowers, and it is unsuitable for a lot of birds. Every so often, clearing bits along the corridor benefits wildlife.”

Trees along the corridor in Barcombe were stripped back for the powerlines

Tree surgeons followed guidance from Barcombe Community Wildlife Group on how to enhance wildlife on the 33,000-volt 3km route, to encourage wildlife for nightingales, while maintaining the power network.

Sam Smith, from the power firm’s contractors, TreeSmiths, said: “We usually cut to ground level, but Simon wanted vegetation at varying heights for the nightingales.

“It’s a brilliant habitat for nightingales and residents explained the insects they want to encourage. Working together has enhanced their project. There are lots of ways we can cut to enhance wildlife.”

The trees and surrounding vegetation were recycled into woodchip mulch for use in the soil, with wood stacks made for the area to encourage further wildlife.

Barcombe's trees were recycled, for reuse in soil

It comes as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reports the nightingale to be one of the UK’s most endangered birds, with only 5,500 pairs found to remain in a 2018 study.

Areas shaded with yellow highlight the nightingale's main habitats

The birds reside across large parts of southern England, where their numbers have declined by 90 per cent in 50 years.