The work is needed to keep passengers safe and trains punctual and to reduce the risk for lineside neighbours.
From the 21st August for 16 weeks, work will be carried out during the day and at night to clear all woody vegetation within a 6-metre strip from the railtrack to the boundary fencing. It will also treat any noxious and invasive non-native weeds within the railway boundary.
Other trees within falling distance of the railway will be selectively felled or cut-back to leave a well-balanced tree canopy. Heritage, landscape specimen trees shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be retained where it is deemed safe.
Ahead of the work, environmental surveys have been carried out and the area has been inspected for nesting birds. We have also worked with our ecologists to minimise the impact of the work on the environment.
Those living closest to the line have been advised about the work by letter - which included a FAQs section which anticipates and responds to many of the concerns people have when we have carried out this type of work in other areas.
Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager for the vegetation clearance work said:
“Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to try to make sure that everything which grows within the lineside is safe and does not cause delays to trains.
“Through the management of lineside trees and vegetation, Network Rail aims to ensure the safety of the railway line – to keep passengers safe and reduce risk for our neighbours.
“Elements of this work are unavoidable at night for safety reasons, however, the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work.”
If anyone has any questions or concerns about this work they can contact Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 11 41 41.