TPE wins top honour for biodiversity work at 'railway Oscars'
TransPennine Express (TPE) has been recognised for its work protecting and boosting wildlife across the North after winning a top honour at the National Rail Awards.
The train operator picked up the Environmental Excellence Award at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 16 September, with judges praising its efforts to transform railway land into thriving habitats for nature.
Often described as the rail industry's equivalent of the Oscars, the National Rail Awards celebrate the best projects and initiatives from across the UK rail network.
TPE was recognised for its long-term approach to biodiversity, which has seen underused land at stations and alongside railway routes turned into wildflower meadows, hedgerows, woodland and pollinator-friendly habitats.
One of the most notable projects has taken place at Yarm station, where biodiversity has increased by around 40 per cent and new habitat units have been created.
At Thirsk station, around 800 square metres of wildflower grassland and 90 metres of hedgerow have been established to support local wildlife.
The projects form part of a wider strategy to improve biodiversity across the network and create lasting environmental benefits for communities served by the railway.
Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director at TransPennine Express, said: "We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which recognises the dedication and passion of colleagues and partners who have helped bring these projects to life.
"Our railway connects communities across the North, and has an important role to play in restoring the resilience and diversity of the natural environment.
"By creating and enhancing habitats across our network, we are delivering real, measurable environmental improvements while demonstrating what can be achieved across the wider rail industry."
The award is the latest recognition of TPE's commitment to sustainability and highlights how rail operators can play an important role in supporting nature recovery while continuing to provide vital transport links for customers and communities.
Rail industry leaders from across the UK attended the awards ceremony, which celebrated innovation, achievement and excellence from throughout the sector.