Vegetation management

We manage vegetation across our railway estate to uphold safety, operational reliability, environmental responsibility, and customer experience. Effective vegetation management is a legal and operational necessity that supports the long-term sustainability of the Tyne and Wear Metro network and associated infrastructure.

• Safety of operations and the public:
  Overgrown vegetation can obstruct signals, signage, and sightlines, posing risks to train drivers and maintenance staff. Falling trees or branches can damage infrastructure or injure passengers and the public. Proactive management reduces these risks.

• Infrastructure protection:
  Roots and overgrowth can damage track beds, drainage systems, and electrical equipment. Regular maintenance helps preserve the integrity of assets and reduces costly repairs.

• Service reliability:
  Vegetation-related incidents, such as fallen trees or blocked drainage, can cause delays and service disruptions. Managing vegetation helps ensure consistent and reliable service for passengers.

• Legal and regulatory compliance:
  We are required to comply with health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and industry standards. This includes but not limited to obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act, Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Forestry Commissioner.

• Environmental Stewardship:
  We aim to balance operational needs with environmental responsibility. Vegetation management supports biodiversity, controls invasive species, and protects habitats, particularly on non-operational land and at third-party boundaries.

• Customer experience and aesthetics:
  Well-maintained vegetation at stations, car parks, and public areas contributes to a clean, welcoming environment for customers and the community.

Across the UK, vegetation-related incidents cost the rail industry over £100 million annually and cause thousands of hours of delays. 

All our staff and contractors are trained through professional training bodies to safely complete all aspects of the works.  We use several methods to maintain vegetation:

• Preventive maintenance: Regular, scheduled work to prevent problems before they occur.
• Corrective maintenance: Carrying out maintenance after a failure.
• Predictive maintenance: Using data and analysis to anticipate potential failures and schedule maintenance proactively. 

Inspection:

Tree owners in the UK have a legal "duty of care" to ensure their trees do not pose a danger to others. This involves regular inspections and necessary maintenance to identify and address potential hazards like falling branches or disease. We conduct regular tree inspections on all vegetation, which identifies hazardous trees/vegetation and provides us with an up-to-date inventory of vegetation we own. 

We complete tree inspections using proven methods and risk assessment that include railway risks and public risks. This risk assessment is the only railway approved risk assessment used by railway operators within the UK.

The vegetation inspections and risk assessments are carried out using an approved professional arboriculturist, and relies only on evidence of ill-health such as visual damage, disease, pests/fungus, and other factors.

The vegetation inspection also includes Ash dieback, which is an issue for all tree owners in the UK, where the airborne fungal disease is killing off certain species of Ash trees. The disease is widespread across the UK and is causing significant decline and death in ash trees, both in woodlands and other settings. 

Maintenance:

• Cutting back: Clearing vegetation to ground level within four metres of the track. Larger logs are left as animal habitats, and lighter material is chipped and left on site to encourage regrowth and habitats for smaller insects. This work is completed by using small equipment such as chainsaws, hedge cutters and brush cutters.

• Selective tree removal: Selective tree removal involves removing a tree that is problematic to the infrastructure or is a hazardous tree.  This can be carried out by felling or by dismantling a tree using grapple saws, MEWPS, tree climbing and other methods. 

• Flailing: A rail-mounted flail removes lighter vegetation quickly during the night and during line closures. Though noisy, it reduces the need for extended night work.

• Weed spraying: We apply weed killer in spring to prevent growth through the track ballast and manage invasive species using approved herbicides.

• Emergency work: We respond 24/7 to remove fallen or dangerous trees that threaten the safety of the railway.

• Problematic vegetation: Vegetation that is causing damage/devaluation to neighbouring properties/land will be dealt with through the correct procedures. Typical work could include subsidence claims, branches damaging properties, and hazardous trees that affect the neighbouring properties or our infrastructure. We work directly with landowners and councils to ensure we have adequate access and permissions to carry out any work on neighbouring land, and typically costs will be paid by the landowner if the problematic vegetation is on neighbouring land.

• Replanting and meeting our environmental goals: In some areas, we have partnered with communities to install bird boxes, bee hives, and community gardens outside the operational envelope. We have also allocated biodiversity sites on non-operational land for future replanting and ecological enhancement.

We have found that pollarding trees is not effective in the long term. It weakens trees, increases the risk of collapse, and requires frequent, costly maintenance. Therefore, pollarding trees is not a recommended practice unless this has been made clear through the recommendation of a qualified professional arboriculturist.

We inspect trees regularly, and as needed, using qualified arboriculturists. These inspections cover all Nexus land, lineside, stations, non-operational land, and neighbouring properties. More information is detailed in the section above. 

Our inspections will also survey neighbouring trees, however, as we cannot inspect the tree fully, if there is a potential cause for concern, we will notify the landowner in relation to the hazardous tree/s. As our inspections on third- party trees cannot be completed fully, defects may not be picked up.

Hazardous trees will have the recommended maintenance works carried out and can include but not limited to; reduced, trimmed, or removed entirely. Sometimes, removing one tree exposes others to wind, making those healthy trees hazardous too. 

This work often requires specialist equipment and is usually done at night or during major closures for safety reasons. However, we do have provisions in place to conduct hazardous tree removal during the day with adequate protection arrangements in place. All work completed on a hazardous tree follows the recommendations set out by the risk assessment and professional knowledge and competence of a qualified arboriculturist. 

Third - party tree owners

Tree owners in the UK have a legal "duty of care" to ensure their trees do not pose a danger to others. This involves regular inspections and necessary maintenance to identify and address potential hazards like falling branches or disease. Failure to do so could lead to liability for any damage or injury caused by the tree. 

The carrying out works near a railway is governed by general health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and by specific rail legislation enforced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). These obligations apply in the same way to the owners of 3rd party land that sits next to the railway as they do to Nexus itself. This means that, where members of the public or contractors instructed by them are carrying out works in the proximity of railway land, there is a legal duty upon them to consult and engage with us as infrastructure owner/maintainer. We may, during those consultations, require that certain asset protection measures be put in place for the safety and security of all involved in carrying out the works, or who may be impacted by those works.

This is a standard set for all railways registered and licenced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) within the UK.

Guidance for tree owners next to or within proximity of the railway.

1. Duty of Care:

Tree owners are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure their trees are safe. This duty extends to anyone who might be affected by the tree, including Nexus.

The standard of care is based on what a reasonable person would do in similar circumstances.

2. Inspection and Maintenance:

There is no specific legal requirement for how often trees must be inspected, but regular documented inspections are crucial. Inspections should be more frequent in high-risk areas (e.g., in proximity to a railway) or if there are obvious signs of decay or damage. Inspections can be visual and done by the owner, but professional arboricultural advice is recommended for high-risk trees or high-risk areas.

Maintenance should address any identified issues, including removing dead or decaying wood.

To begin maintenance on a tree/vegetation you own, that is in proximity to the Nexus estate, the tree owner will have to attain the necessary authorisations and permits prior to commencing maintenance works from Nexus. Nexus will advise on any recommendations, protection arrangements (advise on dates to work where trains have stopped running and protection from live overhead line) and any resource requirements. This will be payable by the tree owner. You should make us aware of your intentions by emailing [email protected] 

3. Liability for Negligence:

If a tree owner fails to meet their duty of care and a tree or branch falls, causing damage or injury, they may be held liable for negligence.

This liability can include property damage and personal injury.

The extent of liability will depend on whether the owner was aware of the hazard and whether they took reasonable steps to address it. Hence, it is vital that all tree owners keep documented inspections and maintenance records.

4. Protected Trees:

Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or located in conservation areas have additional restrictions. Owners of protected trees need to obtain consent from the local planning authority before carrying out most tree work. However, even protected trees require regular maintenance to ensure their safety.

Our embankments are valuable habitats, and we take steps to protect them:

• Work is scheduled outside the nesting season (September–March) where possible; however, if risks are unmanageable, work will proceed during the nesting season.
• Prior to commencing works during nesting season, wildlife surveys are completed and checked again with competent staff prior to any vegetation management works. With planned large-scale maintenance works, an ecology survey will be conducted.
• Active nests are left undisturbed, and protected species are managed in line with legislation. The specific size of the exclusion zone can vary, but a common recommendation is a minimum of five meters, with some species like tawny owls requiring a larger 100-meter buffer. All wild birds, their nests, and young are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• We liaise with local councils in conservation areas and manage protected trees responsibly.

We leave log piles for insects and small animals, encourage native hedgerow regrowth, and selectively replant to support our environmental and sustainability targets and policies and to attract wild species. We also stagger work on either side of the track to allow wildlife to relocate safely.

In some areas, we have partnered with communities to install bird boxes, bee hives, and community gardens outside the operational envelope. We have also allocated biodiversity sites on non-operational land for future replanting and ecological enhancement.

A special conservation area has been created on the Tyne and Wear Metro network to protect a rare species of butterfly. The one-acre habitat at Howdon depot in North Tyneside was established after the former landfill site was found to be home to an increasingly rare butterfly called a Dingy Skipper.

We know that supporting and maintaining the biodiversity of our lineside estate is not just important for protecting ecosystems, but also for resilience against impacts of climate change. Public transport infrastructure is increasingly affected by extreme weather events associated with a changing climate, and by supporting biodiversity and maintaining efficient vegetation management we intend to enhance the ability of the railway to recover and withstand increasing climate change impacts. We also recognise that the railway ecological corridors can act as a natural buffer with wider positive effects for flood or landside mitigation, supporting cleaner air for communities, and encouraging carbon sequestration. 

For essential safety work , we provide advance notice via our website, email alerts (sign-up required) and via local councillors. 

For larger projects—such as new stations or community-requested work—we carry out full consultations and consider all feedback.

We assess the impact of every project, prioritising customer safety and satisfaction while also considering wildlife and community concerns. Although some residents worry that tree removal increases noise, research shows that only dense vegetation (15 metres deep or more) significantly reduces sound—something rarely possible along Metro routes. In addition to this, noise levels will be noticeably reduced with the introduction of the new fleet of Metro trains.

Vegetation maintenance can be noisy, and we aim to keep our work as quiet as practicable. To minimise service disruption, we often work during the night, keeping the network open during the day. Some works may also require temporary road or footpath closures, which are listed on local council websites and national highways websites.

Our customer relations department can help with your enquiries, complaints, and proposals. Any enquiries, complaints or proposals will be directed to the department responsible within Nexus. In line with Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Complaints Handling Procedure requirements, we are obligated to respond to 95% of complaints within 20 working days. 

We receive many requests, but due to limited resources and our focus on safety-critical work, we can only carry out vegetation removal when it aligns with essential maintenance, affects the safety of all individuals on or near the Metro network, the removal of health and safety hazards or when works are required to prevent a legal nuisance in respect of third-party property.

As a guide, works we will not consider:

• Shaded/reduced light to properties
• Signal loss to TV/satellite reception
• Obstructed views
• Interference with other vegetation
• Obstruction or contact with telephone lines
• Perceived risk or worry of trees regarding their size and/or height
• Minor/seasonal nuisances (vegetation growing over fence etc)
• Leaf, fruit, twig, or flower shedding
• Aphid excretion (honeydew)
• Bird droppings
• Leaf, fruit, twig, or flower shedding
• Germinating seedlings in gardens
• Aesthetic preference or opinion (‘untidiness’)

While we appreciate that these issues may cause real concern to some residents, they would not usually be considered as a health and safety risk or safety critical risk – however, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Where there is a genuine inconvenience and/or distress, we will attempt to look at an alternative approach to the rectification and management of the vegetation causing the issue.

Appeals:

If you feel like the decision we made regarding your complaint about vegetation was inadequate, please contact Customer Relations at [email protected] or by calling them on 0191 20 20 747 (9.00am-5.00pm).

We manage vegetation to ensure the safe and reliable operation of Metro services. Overgrown trees and bushes can obstruct signals, damage infrastructure, or fall onto tracks and power lines. Leaves from certain trees also cause slippery rails, leading to delays and safety risks.

No. We only remove vegetation within four metres of the track (the operational envelope), unless additional clearance is needed for safety, maintenance, or access. Trees beyond this zone are usually left untouched unless they pose a risk.

We receive many requests like this, but due to limited resources and our focus on safety-critical work, we can only carry out vegetation removal when it aligns with essential maintenance, affects the safety of individuals on or near to the Metro network, the removal of health and safety hazards or when works are required to prevent a legal nuisance in respect of third-party property. 

Vegetation maintenance within our lineside estate can be loud, especially when using specialised plant and equipment. Although we reduce the amount of noise emitted from our works, this can still be disruptive, but necessary to ensure the safety of the railway and our neighbours. For example, during night works, we aim to use electric equipment where possible to reduce noise pollution. We understand your potential frustrations and appreciate your understanding. 

No. You are not permitted to trespass onto a live railway to collect logs from our trees. Failure to comply with this will result in a trespass fine, and potentially other charges for removing assets from the live railway.

We take ecology seriously. Work is scheduled outside the nesting season where possible, and we protect active nests and bat roosts. We also leave log piles for insects and small animals and encourage the regrowth of native hedgerow species.

Research shows that only dense vegetation (15 metres deep or more) significantly reduces noise. Most Metro embankments are not wide enough to provide this level of sound insulation. However, we understand concerns and aim to minimise disruption during works. In addition to this, with the introduction of the new Class 555 Metro, noise levels will be noticeably reduced.

Work may occur during the day, at night, or during planned line closures. Night work helps us keep the network running during the day. We notify residents in advance of any noisy or disruptive work.

Our work covers all parts of the Metro network in Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, and stations only between Pelaw and South Hylton.  The tracks between Pelaw and South Hylton are owned and maintained by Network Rail, and we only provide information on station improvement works on this section of the line.

You can keep up to date by:

• Signing up to receive weekly night working email updates by contacting Customer Relations at [email protected] or calling them on 0191 20 20 747 (9.00am-5.00pm)
• Checking the nightworking page of the website Nightworks | nexus.org.uk

You have the legal right to maintain any vegetation, such as branches from a neighbouring tree, that is over growing onto your property. It must be taken with safety in mind, to ensure you do not cause unknowing or purposeful damage to the neighbouring tree. 

When cutting back vegetation from your property, you must safely give back the prunings to the tree owner or ask permission to dispose of the prunings yourself. In this instance, we give you permission to dispose of the prunings yourself, in accordance with local council waste policies and regulations.

At no point should you cut back the vegetation further than the boundary line, and strictly must not trespass onto the neighbouring land of the tree's owner. It is recommended that you use a suitably qualified professional tree surgeon to carry out any works you cannot. 

You will also have to inform Nexus of your works, so we can give permission to the works, and provide adequate protection from the live railway. 

If you are a landowner, with trees planted within your property, you legally have the responsibility to inspect and maintain your tree, to prevent it causing foreseen damage or injury to neighbouring properties (and/or people), including the railway. 

If you have a tree that is a concern, please use a qualified professional arboriculturist to inspect your tree/s and carry out any recommendations required. The carrying out works near a railway is governed by general health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and by specific rail legislation enforced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). These obligations apply in the same way to the owners of 3rd party land that sits adjacent to the railway as they do to Nexus itself. This means that, where members of the public or contractors instructed by them are carrying out works in the proximity of railway land, there is a legal duty upon them to consult and engage with Nexus as infrastructure owner/maintainer. Nexus may, during those consultations, require that certain asset protection measures be put in place for the safety and security of all involved in carrying out the works, or who may be impacted by those works.

This is a standard set for all railways registered and licenced by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) within the UK. 

If you do own a tree, it is recommended that you take time to read this document attached, as this explains how vegetation can impact on the railway, and the consequences of ill managed trees.

If you notice a tree that appears hazardous or at risk of falling onto the railway, please contact our Customer Relations team immediately on 0191 20 20 747. Our arboriculturists inspect and respond to such risks as a priority.

If you notice a tree that has fallen onto the track or overhead line, and has the potential to cause a fatal incident, please immediately contact our Control Centre on 0191 203 3090. You should state that this is an emergency call, and inform the controller of your name, location and what the issue is. 

Who should I contact if I have any concerns about vegetation management on the Metro network?

In the first instance, our customers, neighbours, and third- party landowners are invited to speak to our Customer Relations Team in connection with any routine/non-urgent communications about vegetation management. 

In connection with more serious issues of nuisance or potential nuisance connected with vegetation management, we would direct you to speak to independent legal advisors in the first instance about the matter. Advice may be available to you from The Citizen’s Advice Bureau or similar agencies. If you need to submit formal correspondence to Nexus on this matter, this should be sent in writing (i.e. by formal letter) to the Head of Legal Services at Nexus.