Working together for a better railway for nature.
With 20,000 miles of track, which are home to more than six million trees, Network Rail is the guardian of one of Britain’s most important wildlife corridors. Working with them to get things right can have a massive positive impact on our natural heritage.
As a ‘critical friend’, The Tree Council advises Network Rail on ways they can manage their trees and hedgerows to create or safeguard wildlife connectivity, at the same time as carrying out important vegetation management that is vital to keep the railways safe.
Over the past five years, our partnership has:
- Enhanced landscapes, engagement and wellbeing in underserved communities and supported government’s 25-Year Environment Plan by planting more than 400,000 trees, hedges and orchards for wildlife and our planet.
- Informed best practice and environmental improvements through trials which can have network-wide impact and are suitable for a changing climate. For example, exploring hedgerows as a long-term alternative to traditional fencing, enhancing biodiversity while delivering rail side safety.
- Upskilled NR employees and contractors at all levels from the Board to lineside teams, who are all working to conserve and enhance wildlife habitats for generations to come.
- Helped instil great pride amongst teams in their conservation achievements.
- Engaged young people with green careers at the annual Big Bang Festival, inspiring the next generation to get involved with nature, science and engineering.
- Increased value for money through use of traditional techniques like pollarding and coppicing and the reduction of poisons.
