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Monday 4 Feb 2013

Sleeping snakes uncovered at Slough bridge works

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

It could have been a rude awakening for a pair of hibernating grass snakes discovered by Network Rail contractors in Slough last week – but thanks to expert advice the relaxing reptiles are continuing their slumber at a specialist wildlife centre until the spring.

The two snakes were found by workers from Hochtief as they cleared the site around Trenches footbridge in Langley for the Crossrail project, which will deliver a new frequent rail service between Maidenhead, Slough, London and Essex.

Work was halted following the discovery while Network Rail tracked down an expert ecologist. Their advice was to gently move the snakes – which are native to many parts of Britain and are not poisonous – to a bucket lined with shredded newspaper and vegetation to ensure they didn’t wake up.

With the snakes still hibernating and work planned in the area until after Easter, it was decided the newly named Jack and Joe should be temporarily relocated to a specialist reptile centre in Newport.

Jack and Joe are being slowly woken up and fed throughout the winter. They will be returned to the countryside near Trenches footbridge at the end of March when the worst of the winter weather is over.

Jason Hamilton, Network Rail project manager said: “Before we started at Trenches bridge we undertook a full ecological survey and found no signs of reptiles, but when you’re dealing with nature, unexpected things can happen. Our team handled the situation perfectly, ensuring everything was done to keep our new friends comfortable.”

Mike de Silva, Crossrail’s sustainability manager said: “No-one likes being woken up when they’re halfway through a good snooze, so it’s good news that we were able to move Jack and Joe to a new home for the winter without disturbing them too much. Throughout the Crossrail project we’re committed to making sure that any animals or wildlife we find are handled carefully and safely.”

Trenches footbridge is being replaced as part of the Crossrail programme, which will provide a new electric rail service for Slough residents into central London. The old bridge was demolished over Christmas and the new one will be installed over Easter.