Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data Network Rail holds on the number of vegetation management works that were rescheduled following the identification of protected species in each of the last five years, broken down by species type.

Network Rail does not hold information on the rescheduling of vegetation work due to the presence of protected species. This is because teams are adaptable and are able to carry out essential maintenance activities whilst being aware of the legislative requirements. If work in one area is found not to be possible, then it may be that work elsewhere can be carried out instead.