Written questions

Railways: Nature Conservation

2026-05-28 · Department for Transport · 5043 · Official question

Mr Will Forster

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what requirements her Department places on Network Rail to undertake ecological surveys prior to vegetation clearance.

Answer

Network Rail is expected to carry out activities in a way that minimises harm, and wherever possible improves the natural habitat while maintaining the performance and safety of the railway. Network Rail undertakes checks for nesting birds, which is parti...