Transport for Wales achieves positive environmental results with Ground Control.

Working with Transport for Wales, Ground Control through the Core Valley Lines (CVL) project, we have been delivering positive environmental outcomes 

Over the past year, we have introduced tree veteranisation techniques into our lineside vegetation management programme. At first, several mature trees were identified for removal to address safety concerns. However, further assessment revealed that many of these trees, given their location, structural condition, and surrounding habitat, were better candidates for veteranisation.

Veteranisation is a recognised conservation technique that accelerates the formation of habitat features usually found in ancient and veteran trees. By carefully applying methods such as ringbarking, coronet cuts, and habitat gouges, we create standing deadwood and decaying wood habitats, resources that would otherwise take decades to develop naturally.

This work delivers significant benefits for biodiversity, especially for saproxylic species—insects, fungi, lichens, and other organisms reliant on dead or decaying wood. Across the UK, standing deadwood is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, a situation made worse by the loss of ash trees to ash dieback. Many species depend on standing deadwood for feeding, breeding, shelter, and nesting opportunities.

By retaining and enhancing suitable trees instead of removing them, we help offset some of the unavoidable habitat loss associated with large-scale vegetation works, while also supporting biodiversity enhancement objectives along the route.

As part of this pilot initiative, all veteranised trees have been mapped using What3Words and recorded by the environmental team. The sites will be routinely monitored to assess the programme’s long-term success, including the development of features for birds and bats, and to track changes in the abundance and diversity of saproxylic species.

This approach not only delivers ecological benefits but also reduces the need for extensive mechanical removal, transportation, and disposal of timber, lowering both costs and environmental impacts. It demonstrates how innovative thinking can balance operational needs with meaningful biodiversity gains, creating lasting value for the surrounding ecosystem.