Lineside tree clearance, Clay Cross - Derby

[Railwaycat]

Don't know if this has been done all the way between Clay Cross and Derby on the MML, but in the vicinity of Wingfield the lineside has literally been taken back to steam days - every tree on the stretch of embankment just north of the former Wingfield station has gone. Anyone know if this is due to the threat from Ash die back, or just catching up on lineside maintenance? (I suspect die back, as the Cromford - Newhaven road has had every Ash tree within 20m chopped down last month, Via Gellia looks like a war zone).

 

[Jan Mayen]

I'm sure I read somewhere that a Network Rail manager had worked out a business case where cutting back lineside vegetation was better than leaving it in place and paying out for delays caused by fallen trees etc.

 

[Mugby]

I travelled from Derby to Sheffield a couple of times last week and I'm very impressed with the progress that's been made, I think they've done a fantastic job. Still some more to do in the Stretton area so I hope the work continues.
It's one of those things where, if you don't make a proper job of it, it's pointless doing anything at all. It's good to see NR are beginning to realise this!

 

[D365]

Would this be a decision that has been with a view to… future electrification?

 

[The Planner]

Would this be a decision that has been with a view to… future electrification?

Doubt it. By the time that gets to fruition it will have grown back unless repeated.

 

[Brush 4]

There was a report about 2 months ago criticising NR's neglect of the lineside and within structures as well. Perhaps that is the catalyst. They have a lot to do nationwide......

 

[Railwaycat]

Seems like it is because of Ash die back

Railway tree cutting leaves “green desert” in Derbyshire valley, says alpaca farm owner

The owner of a Derbyshire alpaca farm says the clearing of over six metres of lush greenery either side of a three-mile stretch of railway sidings will leave its valley home like a “green desert”

www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk

The woman has a point, everything has gone, bushes as well as trees - can't believe they were all Ash.

 

[thejuggler]

Areas do get such a treatment, however within 5 years the self seeded silver birch trees will be 3-5m tall.

 

[furnessvale]

To repeat my favourite mantra, " no tree should stand where, if it falls it coud foul a running line. It is a safety issue".