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report led by John Varley delivers recommendations for
lineside vegetation management by Network Rail
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publication shows need to roll out good practice across
the network, and that safety of passengers is as vital as
wildlife and vegetation preservation
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minister calls on Network Rail to set out action plan
for protecting biodiversity and improving lineside management
in six months
A careful balance between ensuring passenger safety, reliability
and protecting lineside wildlife and trees is at the core of the
independent Vegetation Management Review undertaken for the
government, Rail Minister revealed today (28 November
2018).
His comments came on a visit with review author John Varley to
the launch of the first British railway hedge planting trial at
Hadley Wood, by Network Rail, the Tree Council, and Hadley Wood
Association and Rail User Group in Hertfordshire.
Mr Varley, an experienced land manager, sets out a number of
recommendations for Network Rail to revamp its lineside
operations across the network. They include calling on the
Department for Transport to set out clear expectations for
Network Rail, and for the organisation to implement a cultural
change focused on valuing nature and the environment as well as
improving communication with affected communities.
Network Rail is the one of the largest landowners in the UK. Last
year there were an estimated 1,500 incidents of rail disruption
due to trees and bad weather.
Over the next 6 months Network Rail will develop a plan to
address the recommendations. This includes a commitment to
improving the way it operates to better protect nesting birds,
before next year’s nesting season.
Rail Minister said:
This is a positive report and I welcome it. The thousands of
miles of lineside vegetation and wildlife on our rail network
are valuable assets which need protection because of the
environmental benefits they bring.
So I completely understand people’s concerns when they see
trees being cut down, but it’s also important to recognise that
without effective lineside vegetation management we risk delays
and compromise safety for passengers.
Network Rail already demonstrates good practice in many
locations but it is vital this is mirrored across the network,
which is why I have asked the organisation to put together a
plan which addresses these issues in the next 6 months. This is
about culture change across the organisation as a whole.
Review chair John Varley said:
The profile of today’s line-side vegetation is a product of the
evolution of the railway over decades. If laid out end to end
it would stretch over halfway around the circumference of the
earth.
This is a valuable and nationally important natural asset.
Taken together, my review’s recommendations should lead to a
significant improvement in the environmental impact of the
railway, while reducing cost, and safety and performance risks.
The time is right for Network Rail to not only be one of the
safest railways in Europe, but the greenest too, by valuing
nature and providing a railway for people and wildlife.
Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said:
I welcome the Varley Review, in particular the opportunity it
gives Network Rail to develop an ambitious vision for
increasing biodiversity on the railway. Over the next 6 months
we will develop a costed plan to deliver the aims and
recommendations of this report. We will also improve the way we
operate to better protect nesting birds, ready for next year’s
breeding season.
We are grateful to John and the team for their vision, insight
and guidance.
Mike Clarke, Chief Executive, Royal Society for Protection of
Birds (RSPB):
The Network Rail estate is an important national asset for
biodiversity, providing vital connections for wildlife
throughout the landscape. The RSPB commends the recommendations
in this review as the right ones to resolve the issue of
vegetation management in the bird nesting season, and, enable
Network Rail to deliver a positive approach to environmental
management that enhances the estate’s biodiversity, natural
capital and provides a safe railway.
The Department for Transport accepts the recommendation for
government.
