Meet Dr Neil Strong, a biodiversity strategy manager at Network Rail who helps us build a reliable and green railway.
What does typical day look like?
My role is very varied and sometimes I am lucky enough to be out of the office to meet with experts from the biodiversity world. I might also spend time in front of a computer screen writing policy and standards for how we take biodiversity into account when managing our trees. There’s also a lot of answering questions from colleagues.
Why does biodiversity matter on our railway?
Biodiversity in the habitats that are found across the railway have amazing benefit for our passengers. For example, if we manage these habitats, they can help reduce flooding in times of extreme weather for fewer train delays. They can also look amazing, providing flowers for pollinators and fabulous changing colours in the autumn.
What’s one of the most surprising things about your job?
I get to deal with railway companies all over the world – some of the projects I’m involved with have partners across Europe but also include railways in Kenya and Australia … all looking at biodiversity.
How did you find yourself in this job?
I did a degree and PhD in ecology and forestry. This research led me to some consultancy work, but I always wanted to get back to managing trees. An opportunity to do this came up at Network Rail and I first became an arboriculturist – that’s someone who manages trees – on the railway. I then moved into my current role where I write the standards for how we take biodiversity into account on our railway.
What are the key skills needed for your job?
Patience. Nature takes time and can’t be changed overnight – for instance, they say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, however the second-best time is now.
You also need analytical skills to help build business cases for why a new method of working should be adopted – using scientific facts to demonstrate.
Being able to problem solve and think outside the box is also useful. It means you can take ideas from other disciplines and make them useful for the railway.
What’s the best part of your job?
Getting out and working with people and colleagues who are passionate about making nature work alongside the railway, for the benefit of wildlife and people.
What’s been your most favourite or exciting day so far?
Meeting Sir David Attenborough … twice. The first time I met him he was the guest of honour at an event I was attending. He is the reason I do what I do, so I made sure to go speak to him.
Are there any exciting innovations happening in your field?
Using remote sensing to identify habitats and species is an exciting technology in our field. It could help us make better decisions on how we manage our estate but in a safe way.
If you weren’t doing this job, what do you think you would do?
Something with trees probably.
What’s the next 12 months of work look like?
I’ll be focussing on helping the business use nature-based solutions as part of its daily operation. These can help the railway run safely and efficiently but also add benefit to biodiversity and carbon management.
What advice would you give to anyone looking for a similar role?
Study hard, enjoy what you do … and do what you enjoy.
