Improving biodiversity and water management on UK rail stations
Background:
TransPennine Express (TPE), a prominent rail operator in the north of England, has embarked on a sustainability initiative to enhance biodiversity and manage flooding through the installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). The programme is part of TPE’s broader sustainability strategy, sitting within the ’Beyond Carbon’ strategy pillar, which includes their ’Good for Nature’ goal.
Objective:
The primary objective of this initiative is to improve biodiversity across TPE’s network by increasing habitats for pollinators and managing local water drainage more effectively. This could potentially be addressed through the installation of customised SuDS units at station sites, where space constraints are significant, with an initial trial installation at Northallerton station.
Project details:
- Location: Initial installation at Northallerton station, with plans to expand across other stations.
- Stakeholders: Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead, TPE
Terry Smithson, Head of Nature Based Solutions, BioScapes - Features: BioScapes SuDS Units are designed to catch and filter water from station roofs, using specially developed soil and plants to clean the water before it re-enters the drainage system, thus reducing flood risk and improving water quality.
Challenges:
- Space limitations at railway stations
- Ensuring public safety with the installation of new infrastructure
- Integrating sustainable drainage and biodiversity with existing hard infrastructure
Implementation:
The first trial installation at Northallerton station is part of a pilot to determine the effectiveness of the SuDS units in a typical station environment. The units were tailored to meet safety standards while serving ecological functions.
The trial will gather feedback from various stakeholders including staff, passengers, and installation teams in order to maximise future value for all.
Outcomes:
- Biodiversity enhancement: The installation is enhancing local biodiversity, particularly by supporting pollinating insect populations.
- Flood management: The SuDS unit is helping mitigate flood risk by managing excess water from the station roof and alleviating pressure on the local drainage system.
- Aesthetic and environmental improvement: The introduction of green spaces is transforming the grey, uninspiring aesthetic of the station, improving the customer experience and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Feedback and future plans:
TPE staff and passengers have already expressed enthusiasm about the SuDS unit and the potential expansion of the project across other TPE stations. Feedback from staff, passengers, and installation teams is being used to inform future rollouts.
Conclusion:
TransPennine Express’s initiative to install SuDS units demonstrates a proactive approach to integrating sustainability into existing infrastructure. The project not only addresses ecological and flood management needs but also enhances the aesthetic and functional value of railway stations, setting a precedent for future sustainability projects within the rail industry.
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