Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 July 2026 to Question 15007 on Network Rail: Biodiversity, what guidance Network Rail has issued to its own staff on managing the impact of seasonal ecological survey windows and protected species licensing requirements on project delivery.

Through Network Rail’s standards and guidance, along with the knowledge of its environmental experts, Network Rail outlines that there are strict legal requirements when managing land near to protected sites or species. Works planning and good communication with environmental regulators can support work carried out without the need for licences. Awareness of the presence of protected sites and species also means work can be scheduled to avoid fines and delays.