Our railway is recognised as one of the most efficient and environmentally sustainable modes of transport. At the heart of our Greener Railway Strategy is our commitment to create a railway that is fit for the future, that cares for our environment and that helps the communities around us to thrive. An essential ingredient of this process is making the best use of the land we own and the resources we use to operate.

Our strategic land use framework describes our strategic aims to achieve a more sustainable way of managing our lineside estate. Our main focus is the creation of a National Nature Network that is aligned with the railway across our regions and routes, for the benefit of people and nature. We want to improve the structure and location of our trees, hedgerows and other natural habitats to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the rail network.

Not only will this protect and enhance biodiversity and but also improve the resilience of the rail infrastructure to climate change. This will increase the amount of carbon stored in soils and vegetation on our land, provide opportunities for the production of renewable energy and facilitate active partnerships with adjacent landowners, potentially through nature-based solutions.  Working with the communities we serve will in turn increasing the social value of the lineside estate, and help those communities thrive.

Implementing a bold vision for the future of our lineside estate requires a more holistic and integrated approach to land management. We can only achieve this by building productive partnerships with others. So, this Strategic Framework also serves as an invitation to our stakeholders, adjacent landowners, environmental organisations and our neighbouring communities to work with us to meet these goals.  What we are creating through this Strategic Land Use Framework is a significant national and natural asset with a thriving, safe, efficient and sustainable railway at its heart.

Related pages

Biodiversity Net Gain
Supporting nature’s recovery
Nature-based Solutions