Rail workers team up to plant trees in Norfolk

Network Rail staff and volunteers from the industry and surrounding community have worked together to plant trees near Haddiscoe station.

The green-fingered group carried out the work to bring a boost to wildlife and the local environment.

In all, 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.”

Download article