Network Rail and Their "Scorched Earth" Tree Removal Policy
Aug 13, 2020 16:34:03 GMT
rowanberry likes this
Post by Psamathe on Aug 13, 2020 16:34:03 GMT
Whilst I hate the thought of turning a tragedy into a campaign, whilst I was out today reflecting and for some time I've been rather "disappointed" by Network Rail's policy of removal of anything looking like a tree anywhere ear their railway track. And I've not been the only one mourning their devastation
from www.theguardian.com/business/2018/apr/29/millions-of-trees-at-risk-in-secretive-network-rail-felling-programme
from www.theguardian.com/business/2018/may/03/network-rail-is-on-the-wrong-track-with-tree-culling
Petitions, etc. (Google search brings up loads of results).
And it made me reflect on how healthy tree root systems stabilise soil systems, hold structure in poor weather, prevent erosion, etc. I am not suggesting their tree clearance/environment destruction/habitat destruction contributed to the recent tragedy but I'm certain that their scorched earth policy will have long term weakened some of the soil systems around their rail tracks.
It always was an ill-considered policy (and one that never had any public consultation, or anything).
Ian
Millions of trees at risk in secretive Network Rail felling programme
Exclusive: Plan to stop leaves and branches falling on lines has already led to thousands of trees being chopped down
Millions of trees are at risk in a secretive nationwide felling operation launched by Network Rail to end the nuisance of leaves and branches falling on the line.
Exclusive: Plan to stop leaves and branches falling on lines has already led to thousands of trees being chopped down
Millions of trees are at risk in a secretive nationwide felling operation launched by Network Rail to end the nuisance of leaves and branches falling on the line.
... this “scorched earth” policy exposes the underlying soil, leaving it vulnerable to rain, erosion and even land slippage.
Petitions, etc. (Google search brings up loads of results).
And it made me reflect on how healthy tree root systems stabilise soil systems, hold structure in poor weather, prevent erosion, etc. I am not suggesting their tree clearance/environment destruction/habitat destruction contributed to the recent tragedy but I'm certain that their scorched earth policy will have long term weakened some of the soil systems around their rail tracks.
It always was an ill-considered policy (and one that never had any public consultation, or anything).
Ian
network rail were building the bypass footpath quite a long diversion so you can be sure the result was a forgone conclusion, before they started to spend any money.