'Homes for nature' created at Hertfordshire rail stations
Great Northern's parent company says nature is in crisis
Last updated 18th Sep 2024
New 'homes for nature' have been revealed at train stations in Hertfordshire, to try and enhance biodiversity on the railway.
The parent company of operator Great Northern has worked with the Bee Friendly Trust to create 20, at six stations on its network, including Bayford and Cuffley.
Each station has two types of bird boxes, bug hotels and hibernacula - shelters filled with timber and wood to give small animals and insects a place to live in winter.
Govia Thameslink's environment specialist Eloise Rowan said: “At GTR we're committed to creating a railway for nature by enhancing biodiversity and encouraging nature recovery. Our Homes for Nature initiative is just one way we plan to support a thriving natural environment.
“Nature is in crisis in the UK with the latest State of Nature report detailing that since 1970 UK species have declined around 19% on average and nearly one in six species are now threatened with extinction.
“Our work with the Bee Friendly Trust aims to make our sites a little more friendly for local wildlife, big and small, and help to lessen that threat.”
Dr Luke Dixon, Director at the Bee Friendly Trust, said:“Our rail network gives wonderful opportunities to create homes for nature and provide a network not just for trains, but for wildlife of every kind – from deer to butterflies – to move safely around the country. Great Northern links habitats in the heart of the city to the depths of the countryside.”
GTR says it will create, or enhance, 100 homes for nature across its network – ranging from bug hotels to wild gardens.
Earlier this year it created 20 homes for nature at six stations on the Thameslink route between London and Bedford.