The size of the Network Rail Estate is large, providing a significant environmental asset base with mixed ecological capital to work with. The principle objective of the study is to put the lineside estate back to work by establishing a working landscape that is ecologically rich, productive and responsive to the needs of the rail industry. To achieve this it shouldbe well planned, designed and managed to ensure that Network Rail is able to gain a wide range of environmental services and benefits from this underutilised landscape resource, providing both direct and indirect financial return.Four key drivers for a new approach to managing the lineside have been identified through research and consultation with Network Rail staff responsible for the lineside.These are:
- rail safety and performance;
- cost-effective management and maintenance;
- environmental compliance and functionality; and
- climate change mitigation and adaptation
The vision for the Strategy is to create a safe, fully functioning landscape corridor for the rail network that is well connected, ecologically diverse, attractive and productive.
