Invasive Species Control

The removal and control of invasive species is essential on the rail network for a number of reasons, both in terms of the environmental quality and the safe operation of the network.

Firstly, invasive species represent a serious threat to native plants and animals, and as such must be controlled to prevent their colonisation and limit damage to the natural environment.

Secondly, there is a clear health and safety obligation to keep network rail land and structures clear of potentially hazardous plants, allowing for the timely and safe movement of trains on the vast UK rail networks.

Thirdly, there are serious economic imperatives to their control: Fast growing and destructive species can cause serious structural damage to buildings, requiring costly remedial works to make good any decay. Furthermore, certain invasive species can invalidate property insurances, and in some case property on adjacent land maybe unable to obtain a mortgage, seriously affecting both buyers and sellers.

Vertex Road and Rail are able to provide fully IRATA trained rope access teams to work around rail possessions, for both planned works and emergency response situations, day and night.

At Vertex Rail and Road our skilled and dedicate rope access IRATA rail teams have a vast wealth of experience and skills, along with qualifications needed to safely and cost-effectively remove invasive species from the rail and road networks.

A variety of qualifications (NPCT PA1 Foundation Pesticide Application, PA6a Hand Held or Knapsack Spraying, PA6PP Pesticide Plugging and PA6INJ Stem Injecting) are held by our rope access IRATA team enabling us to complete a variety of works such as:

• Invasive plant species removal (Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Rhodendron, Giant Hogweed, NZ Pigmyweed)

• Avian control and netting

• Rodent Gassing

Vertex Rail and Road are able to provide fully competent IRATA trained rope access and arborist teams to undertake seasonal works, with strategic planning and complete management of any invasive vegetation such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam.

The removal of all invasive species requires careful planning and preparation, and an in-depth, qualified knowledge of the species. It is essential that a management plan is put in place to oversee the full removal or control process. For instance, Japanese Knotweed requires three separate sprays are needed during the growing season to fully prevent proliferation.  Spraying is only carried by Vertex operatives with valid NPTC PA01/PA06 certification and in accordance with COSHH, the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products 2006 and The Environment Act.

With the use of our Bio Hazard Packs and Upper Tier Waste Carrier License, Vertex Rail and Road are able to remove and control invasive species from site with minimal disturbance.