Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Network Rail is required to obtain a licence from Natural England before carrying out works that may disturb protected species.

If Network Rail is carrying out work that may impact protected species, then it will look to carry out the work in such a way as to avoid needing a licence in the first place. If non-licensable activities are not feasible for the work required, then Network Rail, or its appointed contractors, will apply for a licence.