---
title: Transport for Wales (TFW) Vegetation Management Project
url: https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/projects/transport-for-wales-tfw-vegetation-management-project/
updated: 2026-09-26
---

# Transport for Wales (TFW) Vegetation Management Project

- **Location:** Core Valley Lines
- **Division:** Ecology
- **Project value:** 2m per annum
- **Duration:** 3-5 year framework

## Services delivered

The TFW [Vegetation Management](https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/solutions/vegetation-management/) project, led by the Managed Environments Division of RSSI, served Transport for Wales (TFW) in addressing ecological constraints, particularly the presence of bats within trees slated for removal.

This [project](https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/project/), crucial for the safety and maintenance of the Core Valley Line (CVL) in Wales, combined the expertise of tree climbers with Licensed Bat Ecologists to ensure environmental compliance and safety along the railway. The project commenced in March 2020 and is ongoing.

## Key actions

- Identified and addressed ecological constraints, specifically the need for bat [habitat](https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/solutions/ecology-services/) assessments within trees along the railway.
-  We implemented a three-phased project approach, including Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA), tree climbing and endoscoping for bat habitats, and tree removal or licence application for trees housing bats.
-  Overcame challenges such as working track-side, conducting operations during night and weekends, and fostering collaboration across departments and companies.

## Project delivery

The TFW Vegetation Management project represented an innovative and collaborative approach to addressing ecological and safety concerns within railway maintenance. The initial framework targeted vegetation management along the Core Valley Line, integrating Ecology Services after recognising the need for bat habitat assessments. This necessity arose from TFW’s ecological constraints, hindering the removal of potentially dangerous trees near tracks.

RSSI’s solution was unique and multifaceted, combining the expertise of tree climbers with Licensed Bat Ecologists to assess, plan, and execute tree management. The project was structured in three phases:

**Ground Level Tree Assessment (GLTA):**

Initial evaluation of trees for potential bat habitats.

**Tree Climbing and Endoscoping:**

Detailed inspection of identified trees to confirm the presence of bats.

**Tree Management:**

Removal of trees without bats and the application of licenses for trees with bat habitats, followed by careful management under ecological supervision.

The challenges of this project were significant, involving track-side work, night and weekend shifts, and the need for seamless collaboration between different departments and partner companies. Despite these obstacles, RSSI successfully delivered a service that not only addressed the immediate safety and ecological compliance issues but also set a standard for integrated vegetation and wildlife management within the railway sector.

This project added substantial value to TFW by ensuring the safety of railway operations while complying with ecological preservation standards. The collaboration between Arboriculture and Ecology teams under RSSI’s management highlighted the ability to provide comprehensive, environmentally sensitive solutions that support the client’s operational and environmental objectives. This ongoing work strengthens the partnership between RSSI, Amey, and TFW, demonstrating a commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship in rail infrastructure management.

> “The collaboration between our Arboriculture and Ecology teams shows our commitment to delivering comprehensive, environmentally [responsible](https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/responsibility/) solutions. Our ability to adapt and respond to ecological constraints while ensuring the safety and efficiency of [rail operations](https://www.rssinfrastructure.com/solutions/rail-operations/) showcases our unique position within the industry.”
>
> Graham Talbot, Head of Managed Environments