Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what requirements her Department places on Network Rail to undertake ecological surveys prior to vegetation clearance.

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.

Network Rail undertakes checks for nesting birds, which is particularly important if vegetation clearance is planned over the summer. At some locations, Network Rail may also undertake ecological surveys to establish the presence of other protected species such as bats or great crested newts. Depending on the outcome of these checks and surveys, vegetation clearance works may be rescheduled to a less sensitive time of year.