What conversations has the Welsh Government had with Natural Resources Wales in assisting network rail in preventing falling trees on tracks due to the rise in ash dieback?
We recognise ash dieback presents a significant land management challenge for landowners, including Network Rail. Landowners, managers and farmers are responsible for managing the ash trees on their land and they should prioritise early action where dead and dying trees may cause a hazard, for example falling trees on tracks.
There is extensive, publicly available information which landowners can use to assist them when dealing with dead or dying trees. It is important potentially dangerous trees are dealt with by appropriately trained and skilled professionals.
Welsh Government is currently in discussion with Natural Resources Wales to review whether further guidance on dealing with ash dieback is needed to complement what is already available. The Strategic Ash Dieback group, which includes Network Rail, will have the opportunity to consider any further guidance before it is published.