Railways: Nature Conservation
Commons · Question 5045 · Tabled 29 May 2026 · Department for Transport · Official record
Answered 8 Jun 2026
Question
Asked by Will Forster
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Network Rail is required to obtain a licence from Natural England before carrying out works that may disturb protected species.
Answer
Answered by Keir Mather, 8 Jun 2026
If Network Rail is carrying out work that may impact protected species, then it will look to carry out the work in such a way as to avoid needing a licence in the first place. If non-licensable activities are not feasible for the work required, then Netwo...