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Wednesday 20 Apr 2022

Railway workers branch out into tree planting in Norfolk

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail staff and volunteers from the railway family and local community planted trees near Haddiscoe station last Friday (15 April 2022) to boost wildlife and the local environment.

A total of 100 trees were planted and a mix of three species were chosen that would suit the local soil conditions. Railway neighbours living in the hamlet that was originally created to support a busy railway junction also helped with the planting project.

The project is part of Network Rail’s replanting programme, which aims to replace vegetation that has been removed from beside the railway. Vegetation can pose a risk to running the railway and while safety is paramount, Network Rail is committed to retaining, protecting and replanting where possible.

The event was organised and run by Liam Allen, Network Rail’s route engineer for Anglia. Liam said: “Replanting is really important and plays a big part in helping the environment and to sustain habitats. We’ve researched the area to choose the correct species for this location so that they have the best chance of growing into mature trees.”

Liam also invited members of the railway family and the local community to help with the project. He said: “I really wanted to get the local community involved in this and I knew that some of our railway neighbours were keen to get stuck in. Having support from the local community really makes a project like this worthwhile.”

To find out more about how Network Rail manages lineside vegetation go to Vegetation - Network Rail

Notes to Editors

Photos caption: Railway workers, their families and members of the local community help plant 100 trees in Haddiscoe