A pioneering project is underway in Perth where sheep are being deployed as an eco-friendly solution to weed control on a two-kilometre stretch of railway embankment. The unconventional approach, a collaboration between Network Rail and a local farmer, aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of natural grazing in reducing unwanted plant growth that poses a risk to railway operations.
Unlike traditional methods which rely on herbicides and mechanical cutting, this trial seeks to reduce chemical usage and promote sustainable land management practices. By allowing sheep to graze, the project hopes to create a more diverse habitat by preventing dominant species from taking over, thereby encouraging a wider range of wildflowers and insects.
The embankment section chosen for the trial has proven challenging to maintain using conventional methods due to its topography and proximity to the railway line. The sheep are expected to provide a low-impact, continuous form of vegetation management, potentially leading to long-term cost savings and environmental benefits if successful.
This innovative approach draws on historical land management techniques, re-evaluating their relevance in a modern context. If the Perth trial achieves its objectives, Network Rail may consider expanding the use of grazing animals to other suitable locations across its vast network, contributing to a greener and more sustainable railway system.
Source: Network Rail media centre