All information pertaining to permissions sought and obtained from Local Authorities or within TfL and any studies undertaken into the impact on local wildlife or loss of privacy for local residents in relation to the tree and vegetation work being undertaken by TfL in Rickmansworth between September and November 2017.

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TfL Ref:FOI-2137-1718

Thank you for your email received by us on 03 November asking for information about tree and vegetation work in Rickmansworth. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:

All information pertaining to permissions sought and obtained from Local Authorities or within TfL and any studies undertaken into the impact on local wildlife or loss of privacy for local residents in relation to the tree and vegetation work being undertaken by TfL in Rickmansworth between September and November 2017.

As a responsible organisation, biodiversity protection is an integral part of London Underground’s infrastructure management responsibilities, and we are committed to meeting the challenge of retaining a healthy wildlife-rich network whilst running a safe and reliable railway.

We have carried out tree work at Rickmansworth depot between September and November 2017. This is part of an ongoing regime to control vegetation, essential to protect fence lines, embankments, cutting slopes and the track infrastructure from the effects of encroachment by vegetation and spread of invasive plant species. This is essential work, particularly in preparation for the autumn and winter seasons, to ensure we run a safe and efficient service.

I fully recognise the wider environmental benefits of vegetation, and we strive to maintain those benefits whilst minimising its impact on our service. Our trees are regularly inspected by trained arboriculture inspectors and all works are undertaken by trained and experienced tree surgeons and foresters following modern methodology and the requirements set out within British Standards. Before any work is undertaken on site, ecological surveys and observations are undertaken and where nesting birds or protected species are identified, the work is rescheduled to minimise disturbance as much as reasonably practical. The work at Rickmansworth was done outside the bird nesting season.

As a statutory undertaker, TfL does not require the local authority’s permission to carry out work to the trees that affect the railway and are on TfL property.

If this is not the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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