Network Rail Sustainability Zone

The Sustainability Zone brings together experts, demonstrations and displays showing how environmental decisions are made across the railway - from habitat creation and tree establishment to boundary measures, vegetation management and incident response.

Explore biodiversity, circular economy, decarbonisation, social value and environmental management through a range of live demonstrations, expert-led talks, and interactive challenges across both days of Rail LIVE 2026.

 

In collaboration with:

Network Rail & The Tree Council

Sustainability Station

The zone's central information point, find closed-caption information videos, display boards, expert conversations and a covered area for visitors to explore practical sustainability ideas in more detail at the Sustainability Station.


 

Sustainability Seminar Theatre

Hear quick-fire talks and Q&As from rail sustainability experts, covering biodiversity, protected species, community tree planting, lineside management and Biodiversity Net Gain at Long Marston and more!


 

Habitat Creation In Action

See live chainsaw carving and habitat creation demonstrations showing how retained tree trunks can be adapted to support biodiversity.


 

Tree ID Competition

Can you tell your ash from your elder?

Tree species will be on display across the Sustainability Zone, with visitors challenged to identify as many as they can. Prizes are planned.


 

Spill Kit Challenge

Take on a simulated worksite spill scenario and test your response to environmental risk. No actual fuel will be spilled - but there will be prizes.


 

Boundary Measures Display

See how hedges and other natural boundaries can support railway requirements while boosting biodiversity, carbon capture, flood mitigation, air quality and social value.


 

Tree Establishment Demo

Explore why successful tree planting is about more than getting trees in the ground.

Experts from Network Rail and The Tree Council will be on hand with guidance on grant schemes, partnerships, research, species choice and planting techniques.


 

Plan Your Visit

The Sustainability Zone programme will take place across Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June. Full session details available soon.

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