Railways: Nature Conservation
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Network Rail complies with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in relation to the protection of nesting birds.
Answered by Keir Mather
Network Rail is expected to carry out activities in a way that minimises harm, and wherever possible improves the natural habitat while maintaining the performance and safety of the railway.
In order to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Network Rail requires that a breeding bird and nest check is completed before work is started and, where there is any uncertainty over how to proceed, that the advice of an ecologist is sought.
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