Vegetation

Our work clearing vegetation by the railway helps to keep trains running safely and on time

Managing the trees, shrubs and plants alongside our railway to ensure the safety of passengers and railway workers is essential, and it’s something we plan carefully and with consideration.

We receive many enquiries about our vegetation work and know that the decisions we take are important, especially for our lineside neighbours – anyone who lives, or runs a business, within 500 metres of the railway.

We understand that undertaking vegetation work can be unsettling for those who live nearby and have grown used to the trees or hedges in the local area. That’s why our vegetation management process involves a lot of planning and thought, for the least disruption to lineside neighbours and wildlife.

Our approach can be different across each of our 14 routes because we work to address the unique local geographic and natural considerations. But wherever we are, our focus is to deliver a safe, efficient, and biodiverse railway fit for the future. 

To find out more about how we manage vegetation by the railway, please click on the links below.

Your trees next to the railway

We can help with tree safety concerns where your trees might pose a risk to the railway and guide you through the planning and safe execution of tree work that you are proposing to undertake.

Where you have concerns with trees next the railway please take some time to have your trees inspected by a qualified tree inspector. 

If work is needed to your trees, please make contact with the relevant team for your area.

If one of your trees has already fallen onto our land or is at imminent risk of falling, please contact our emergency 24 hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41

The fact sheet below provides further information on trees that are in close proximity to the railway. 

Related fact sheet

Working with chainsaws

In the audio files below, you can hear noise levels generated by chainsaws