Government publishes new strategy setting out how it expects Network Rail to protect and enhance the UK's railway line-side environment
A new biodiversity strategy for 20,000km of railway lines across Britain was unveiled by the government yesterday, in a bid to turn Network Rail into "one of the UK's most environmentally responsible land-owners".
As part of the policy, the Department for Transport said it expected Network Rail - the public body which owns and manages most of the UK's railway network - to achieve no net loss in biodiversity on its existing lineside estate by 2024, and to achieve biodiversity net gain on each route by 2040.
The brief four-page document calls on Network Rail to produce a Biodiversity Action Plan by December this year setting out how it intends to achieve the biodiversity goals set by the government.
DfT added that it would then assess progress towards the targets in 2024.
The strategy argues that as one of the UK's largest landowners and also the country's biggest publicly-funded body, Network Rail is in a unique position to help boost Britain's biodiversity.
The body is responsible for 20,000km of track and 52,000 hectares of land on its estate, with its railways running through "some of the most fragile and valuable habitats within our country", it explains.
The government said it therefore expects "well designed and maintained habitat management of its lineside estate to be fully integrated into Network Rail's objectives, culture, and decision-making and management processes, alongside its existing responsibilities for safety, performance and ensuring value for money".
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said he hoped the strategy would be the catalyst for "greener and more environmentally transport policy across the country".
"Trees are not only a source of beauty and wonder, but are also carbon sinks, a way to manage flood risk and a habitat for precious species - this is why we are so intent on ensuring the right balance is struck by all those who manage these vital natural assets," he added.
The strategy follows in the wake of recommendations from an independently-chaired review led by John Varley, a non-executive director of the Environment Agency, which last November outlined a number of proposals to protect and increase biodiversity close to railway lines.
Varley said he was "impressed with how much Network Rail and government have achieved in the last seven months" since the EA review was published.
"There is a now a clear policy, a vision and a commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity, while continuing to keep safety centre stage," he said. "Whilst I do not underestimate the challenge in delivering my recommendations over the coming months and years, the leadership, commitment and progress I have witnessed, gives me much confidence. I am delighted that there is now much wider recognition of the need for responsible stewardship of the railway's natural assets."
The news also comes on the same day as Defra provided a wide-ranging update on its plans for the government's new Environment Bill, including proposals to require all commercial and housing developers to deliver a 'net gain' in biodiversity by funding direct or indirect habitat protection or restoration projects.