NR web feature on vegetation clearance

[snowball]

I thought I'd mention, for anyone who doesn't regularly check Network Rail's website, that they currently have a large piece on vegetation management:

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2016/feb/working-with-nature-vegetation-management/

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Only indirectly related, but of interest to anyone concerned with trees (in any capacity from tree management to lay admirer), are these lists of species which Network Rail accept for planting near to the line, and those that they do not:

Possible species for planting >5m from the outside rail

Field maple
Downy birch
Hazel
Midland thorn
Common hawthorn
Broom
Heather
Alder buckthorn
Ivy
Sea buckthorn
Holly
Juniper
Wild privet
Honeysuckle
Crab Apple
Blackthorn
Wild pear
Buckthorn
Field rose
Dog rose
Bramble
Elder
Whitebeam
Rowan
Wild service tree
Yew
Gorse
Wayfaring tree
Guelder Rose

Possible species for planting >10m from the outside rail

Alder
Silver birch
Hornbeam
Beech
Walnut
Scots pine
Aspen
Wild cherry
Bird cherry
Sessile oak
Common oak
Wych elm
English elm

Species that should NOT be planted

Sycamore
Horse chestnut
Sweet chestnut
Ash
Black poplar
Lombardy poplar
Small-leaved lime
Large-leaved lime
Common lime

I might have expected not to see Elder proposed for sites close to the line.

And all this reminds me that I was surprised, during a diversion via Cambridge of my regular travel between Newcastle and London, at the variation in techniques in coppicing trees across the country.
I have been aware for some time of the regional variations in styles of hedge-laying (or more to the point, the lack of), which can be seen on train journeys, but its only in winter that the choices in coppicing are so apparent.

 

[Deepgreen]

Amusing to see 'Bramble' and 'Ivy' as species that may be planted - not really necessary in a vast number of locations!

 

[DarloRich]

you don't want the broad leaf species dropping near the track - they are ones that cause most of the autumn problems.