A GROUP of Frome residents are calling for ‘compensation’ from Network Rail saying that an area of wildlife habitat was left ‘utterly devastated’ by tree felling.
Since work began on the site – which is located next to the railway bridge at the Willow Vale entrance to Rodden Meadow – small groups of residents have been holding a protest.
Network Rail say that the trees have been removed to allow access to the site for bridge maintenance and track renewal work; and that vegetation, including trees, was checked first for nesting birds before work began.
However, residents have described the work as an ‘environmental crime’ and say that they have witnessed ‘distressed animals’ in the area whilst work was taking place.
According to the group, the work has been reported to the police, who have asked Network Rail to provide evidence of any surveys carried out before tree felling began.
In response to the protests, Network Rail has told residents that they will consult them on a number of tree planting initiatives to help offset any biodiversity lost due to the work carried out.
Protesters have welcomed the commitment from Network Rail, but have said that more needs to be done.
A member of the group, Sara Butler told Frome Times, “At our vigil on Saturday (8th August) we witnessed lots of distressed wildlife, including bats, frogs and a heron, whilst work took place. Network Rail insist that they have done a survey – but we don’t know what level of survey – so the police have asked to see that.
“The bad news is that we can’t do anything about the trees that have already been taken down, but this is ongoing and there are some things we can do – we have a commitment from Network Rail to discuss a replanting plan as soon as possible.
“But we also want to talk to them about what they can do for Frome to compensate for this loss of wildlife habitat. Could they maybe give the town council a community grant to help develop some of other areas with wildflowers, rewild areas, help with allotment building?
“We would like to think that we can hold them to what they have offered, get them to engage with us and make good what they have done.”
A spokesperson for Network Rail said, “We have been carrying out vital maintenance at Willow Vale Bridge, as well as renewing track in the area to ensure the railway remains safe whilst providing better journeys for passengers.
“To safely access the site and carry out the work we had to clear vegetation, including some trees. Ahead of that happening we carried out checks for wildlife including bird nesting.
“We have a commitment to minimising our impact on the environment and only fell trees if it is absolutely necessary. We also have several tree planting initiatives to ensure we have a net positive biodiversity impact.”
