Some of you may be aware of some of the high profile incidents involving Network Rail clearing large areas of vegetation during the breeding season this year such as this one here. A number of recent incidents has lead to further scrutiny of Network Rails policies and we have recently released a press release challenging the legality and suitability of their approach (here).
If you are interested to hear a debate between the RSPB's Darren Moorcroft and representatives from Network Rail have a listen here - you've heard it from the horses mouth so to speak, Network Rail have admitted they have been 'clumsy' in some cases and admit they have got some things wrong and they need to pick up their act and do better in the future!
We would like to work with them to ensure that any vegetation clearance is conducted outside of the main bird nesting season (March - August) and maybe there is room for an opportunity to influence Network Rails management policies to incorpoate some wildlife conservation - we'll see where this goes.
If you wish to support Network Rail and their promise to do better in the future, please drop them an email via their contact page here or write to their chief executive and suggest they work with the RSPB, as together we could be a positive force for nature.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.