Network Rail (High Speed)
Client Organisation
Network Rail (High Speed) who manage and maintain High Speed 1, the Railway between London and the Channel Tunnel.
Type of Work
Ecological Advice, Specialist Surveys, GIS, Land Management
Background
High Speed 1 has extensive native broadleaved woodland, hedgerow, native trees planting and shrubs, permanent grassland, grass and wildflower areas. Network Rail (High Speed) has achieved a Biodiversity Benchmark Award for High Speed 1 and is committed to retaining the award.
Network Rail (High Speed) required an evaluation of the biodiversity value of the linear landscape and approached Adonis Blue Environmental to undertake the work.
Scope of Work
Adonis Blue Environmental undertook a study of the railway and mapped all areas identifying protected species and significant habitats along the route of High Speed 1 and within the surrounding landscape. This initial baseline assessment has led to a detailed 5 year survey of the line from Ebbsfleet to Folkestone. This will feed into Network Rail High Speed’s intensive management programme already established.
The next stage is to set biodiversity objectives for High Speed 1 and biodiversity indicators that guide the Network Rail (High Speed) team to monitor progress towards these long-term objectives. These biodiversity objectives and indicators influence annual management of High Speed 1 and methods used in maintenance to protect and enhance the value of High Speed 1’s biodiversity as an asset to nature connectivity for Kent.
