East West Rail is using thermal imaging drones to identify ground-nesting birds before archaeological investigations begin, helping the project strengthen wildlife protection while reducing the risk of programme delays.
East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has developed the approach with surveying contractor Kier for use across large sites associated with the proposed railway connecting Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
The technology allows project teams to identify nesting activity across extensive areas more quickly and accurately than conventional approaches, creating a clearer picture of where work can safely proceed and where ecological protection measures are required.
Tackling a significant construction constraint
Ground-nesting birds present a particular challenge for major infrastructure programmes because archaeological investigations and vegetation clearance can overlap with the peak nesting season between March and August.
Discovering nesting activity after work has started can require areas to be protected and programmes rearranged, potentially leaving teams and equipment unable to progress as planned.
EWR Co’s approach uses drones equipped with thermal imaging technology, supported by environmental specialists, to detect nesting birds before archaeological trenching begins.
A large site can be surveyed in around two to three hours, allowing ecological constraints to be mapped earlier and teams to establish appropriate buffer zones.
Work can then continue in unaffected areas rather than requiring unnecessary restrictions across a wider site.
For major rail projects where archaeological and environmental investigations can cover substantial areas, that earlier intelligence could provide greater certainty around sequencing and resource planning.
Tristan Lincoln-Gordon, Director of Environment at EWR Co, said: “Protecting the environment while delivering critical infrastructure is fundamental to how we build East West Rail. By embracing innovative technologies such as thermal drone surveys, we can identify and safeguard ground-nesting birds more effectively, giving our teams greater certainty to plan and deliver archaeological works responsibly.
“This approach enables us to enhance our ecological protection measures while improving efficiency and reducing disruption to ensure the effective delivery of one of the UK’s most significant railway projects.”
Technology supporting environmental compliance and productivity
The initiative demonstrates how relatively targeted uses of technology can address two priorities that major infrastructure programmes are increasingly expected to reconcile: stronger environmental protection and improved construction productivity.
Earlier identification of nesting activity allows teams to plan vegetation clearance more precisely, introduce ecological buffers where required and avoid unnecessary site stand-downs or reprogramming.
It can also reduce disturbance by focusing interventions on areas where they are genuinely necessary.
Jonathan Pearce, Project Director for EWR at Kier, said: “At Kier, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to improve delivery, creating value through safe and sustainable outcomes. East West Rail shares that same forward-thinking approach, and together we’re able to develop solutions that not only improve project performance but also raise the bar for the wider industry.”
The technology will not replace established ecological controls. Ecological Clerks of Works will continue to supervise activities at key stages, with post-clearance verification surveys and ongoing monitoring used where protection buffers remain in place.
EWR Co will also continue engagement with landowners and other stakeholders as survey and construction activity progresses.
