Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Weedkillers

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the negative impact on soil cohesion when trackside trees and bushes are cut back hard and the roots destroyed by poison, or root killing herbicides, by Network Rail.

Answer

Network Rail recognises that vegetation can both support and affect the stability of railway embankments and cuttings. While roots help stabilise soil by absorbing moisture, vegetation can also increase risks such as soil drying and cracking, or rockfall.

To manage these risks, Network Rail operates in line with its vegetation and earthworks standards. Where trees are felled for safety or operational reasons, stump treatments are sometimes used to prevent regrowth, but they are never applied to retained trees or branches. In many locations, Network Rail cuts trees back to encourage regrowth, helping to maintain both biodiversity and soil stability.

Based on information provided by Network Rail, the Government’s assessment is that these measures help to minimise the risk of negative impacts on soil cohesion and support a balanced approach to safety, performance and environmental protection in managing lineside vegetation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL11637
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Contamination Railways Weedkillers Network Rail
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Railways: Weedkillers

Secondary information

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