Network Rail has revealed those behind the 8,000 trespass incidents on the tracks each year.

The newly-released data puts badgers as the second most prolific offender with 36 instances in the past year - just behind humans who were responsible for 8,178 trespasses.

Delays can quickly form when animals or humans are spotted on the track and Network Rail is appealing to the public to help bring these figures down.

Helen Hamlin, Network Rail’s operations chief, said: “Trespassing on the railway is a serious offence that causes delays to thousands of trains every year and can be very costly for people – causing death and life changing injuries due to the railway's many hidden dangers."

Across Network Rail’s Southern region, from Devon in the West to Kent in the East, there were a total of 8,303 trespasses, of which 125 involved animals, in the 12 months to March 31.

For every minute of delay caused by an animal across the region, a human caused over 10 and a half minutes’ worth of disruption to trains.

A swan on the lineA swan on the line (Image: Network Rail)

Some 22 swans found themselves on the railway line and there were 18 recorded incidents of dogs and foxes on the line last year.

Helen added: "This summer, when we see trespass at its peak our message is clear whoever you are: child, adult, dog walker, holiday maker or beast – staff off the tracks."