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Friday 18 Sep 2026

Network Rail sheep-grazing project bears fruit for Perth food bank

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

An orchard uncovered in Network Rail's recent sheep-grazing biodiversity project is helping feed local families, with volunteers gathering hundreds of pieces of fruit for Perth and Kinross Foodbank. 

In May this year, Network Rail brought 25 sheep to the lineside site which had become overgrown with dense vegetation including giant hogweed.  

The sheep offered a natural approach to control invasive plant species and improve the environment, all without the use of herbicides.  

In just a few short months the hungry sheep have transformed the space and revealed a long-hidden orchard that has produced a bumper harvest this season. 

With the orchard enjoying one of its most bah-rilliant seasons in recent years, Network Rail staff rolled up their sleeves and volunteered to gather the fruit which includes apples, pears, plums and damsons from the site. 

The harvest, amounting to hundreds of pieces of fruit, has been donated to Perth and Kinross Foodbank and site neighbours Willowgate Activity Centre, turning the biodiversity project's success into a direct benefit for the local community. 

Support for the fruit-picking effort came from local farming business JDW Agri, which donated 200 collection boxes and has cared for the sheep since their arrival earlier this year. 

Mark Allan, track maintenance engineer at Network Rail Scotland, said: “When we introduced the sheep to this site earlier this year, we knew there was an orchard hidden among the vegetation, but it's been fantastic to see just how much it has flourished. 

“This project is a great example of the wider benefits that can come from working with nature. Not only have the sheep helped us manage the land in a more sustainable way, they've also helped create an opportunity to support the local community through this donation.” 

James Morrison, head of sustainability and social value at Network Rail Scotland, said: “It was brilliant to see colleagues come together to harvest the fruit and make sure it could benefit local people. 

“The transformation of the site over the last few months has been remarkable. What was once difficult to access has become a thriving green space, and it's incredibly rewarding to know the fruit will be enjoyed by people across Perth and Kinross.” 

Lori Hughes, foodbank manager at Perth and Kinross Foodbank, said: “We are really excited to receive this donation of fresh fruit from Network Rail. Locally grown produce is not something we often have available for our clients, despite it being something many people ask for. 

“We greatly value our relationship with Network Rail and are very grateful to benefit from colleagues giving their time to volunteer in this way. Their efforts mean fresh, nutritious food can reach people across Perth and Kinross who need it most. 

“It's fantastic to see the fruits of this environmental project being shared with the local community.”