NR licence helps keep newts safe

Greater crested newts, which always present problems for railway engineers and anyone else involved in new construction because of their protected status, will receive safe relocation on Network Rail’s Eastern Region.

NR has been granted a special licence to move the UK’s largest native species to new habitats without supervision. It follows a successful trial on the Midland Main Line last year that has helped to significantly reduce delays to engineering work.

The licence allows NR to create lineside ponds, saving the time-consuming need to make individual applications for routine works.

Environmental Manager Hamish Critchell-Ward said: “This will help us strike the balance between helping lineside wildlife to thrive, while allowing essential railway upgrade work to get under way.”