Network Rail has completed a vital programme of stabilisation work at Little Haywood cutting, located within the Shugborough Estate and Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the railway for passengers and freight services.
Delivered in partnership with AmcoGiffen and in close collaboration with the National Trust, the project involved embankment stabilisation, tree testing and careful planning in order to keep visitors and local residents safe when passing through the area. The work was essential to protect the railway from the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Stabilising the cutting helps to prevent landslips and reduce soil erosion, significantly lowering the risk of debris falling onto the track and disrupting passenger journeys. The cutting passes through naturally sloping land in a conservation area, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption to the landscape and local community.
To reduce disruption to passengers, much of the work was completed during planned closures of the railway earlier in the year. Where possible, teams also carried out work while trains continued to run, ensuring minimal impact to passenger journeys.
As part of the collaboration, colleagues from Network Rail, the National Trust, and AmcoGiffen took part in a dedicated volunteering day to support conservation efforts on-site. The team worked together to relocate a set of steps away from an ancient oak tree, helping to protect the historic woodland and improve access for future visitors.
Andrew Johnson, Project Manager at Network Rail, said: “This has been a fantastic example of how infrastructure delivery can be done sensitively and collaboratively.
“Working alongside the National Trust has allowed us to respect the heritage and environmental value of the site while ensuring the railway remains safe and reliable for passengers. I’d like to thank local residents and visitors for their patience while we temporarily closed some footpaths to complete this work.”
Hayley Mival, General Manager at National Trust added: “We’re pleased to have worked closely with Network Rail to ensure the work at Little Haywood Cutting was carried out with care and consideration.
“The volunteering day was a great opportunity to bring teams together and support the long-term conservation of the area.” The successful delivery of the work reflects Network Rail’s commitment to working responsibly in protected landscapes.
You can visit networkrail.co.uk/sustainability/ to learn more about Network Rail’s commitment to a sustainable railway.
