COSTLY delays to rail projects are being avoided thanks to a new Network Rail scheme to better protect endangered great crested newts.
The amphibians commonly make their home around the UK’s railway, living in drainage ditches and nearby vegetation – even hibernating under sleepers.
Previously when found on the infrastructure, teams have had to down tools and call in specialist ecologists to fully survey the area and apply for special licences to continue before work could resume to ensure the rare newts didn’t come to any harm.
Explaining that this was the right thing to do, Network Rail said in some cases it could delay projects by weeks or even months – resulting in higher costs for the taxpayer and passengers and freight customers having to wait longer for the benefits those upgrades bring to journeys.
Now, thanks to a collaboration with the Newt Conservation Partnership and an expanded licensing approach, newt habitats are extensively mapped before work starts, with suitable homes nearby either restored or recreated with clean water ponds.
Then if newts are found on the railway, that habitat is there ready and waiting for the new residents so they can be quickly transferred to their new home in just a few days – while allowing upgrade work to resum
Railway staff are also being given special training to spot the different types of newt so they’re handled with the utmost care when found on the network.
Jude Ward, Network Rail environment manager, said, “We take our responsibility to balance the needs of wildlife on the railway with our commitment to run trains safely and reliably seriously, and this new approach for newts is a perfect win win for both us and them.
“Previously we’ve had to wait for special licenses, carry out months of surveys and put up special newt fencing – causing delays and costing money. Now this streamlined process developed with the Newt Conservation Partnership means we can keep work progressing while creating alternative habitats nearby to relocate the newts as soon as they’re found, providing much better outcomes all round.”
Dr Tom Tew, CEO of the NatureSpace Partnership, added, “Our partnership with Network Rail demonstrates how strategic licensing can support both infrastructure delivery and meaningful nature recovery. The Organisational Licensing Scheme for great crested newts helps reduce project delays and administrative complexity while ensuring robust environmental outcomes. It’s a fantastic example of how organisations can work collaboratively to deliver essential infrastructure in a way that benefits both people and nature.”
