We use fences, and natural screens such as thorny shrubs, to mark the boundary of our land. They can also serve as a useful deterrent to keep the railways safe from trespassing and vandalism.
We work hard to keep them safe by making sure our fences are in good condition and are suitable for deterring people and animals from getting onto the tracks.
However fencing varies across the network depending on the level of risk; so some of our fencing may not be suitable for keeping small animals – such as pet dogs – off of the railway. Dog owners should always take extra care when in the vicinity of the railway.
Fences between your property and the railway
If you’ve got a problem with a fence along the railway, we may replace or fix the fence.
We’ll only do this where we have responsibility for the fence and where not replacing it would jeopardise the safety of the railway.
So if there are two fences between the railway and your property we’ll only maintain the one closest to the railway.
Where your property is separated from the railway by just one fence, the ownership – and the responsibility to maintain it – can vary.
Please check the deeds of your property – it may contain an obligation for you to maintain the fence.
When we replace fences
If a fence is showing signs of age and fatigue, we’ll investigate and assess it.
If we find a new or better one is needed we will replace it with a new one of a similar size and type. We’ll only do this when it’s necessary to keep the railway safe.
Occasionally we’ll build a more secure fence, particularly if trespassing and vandalism are common in the area.
Sometimes we’ll also have to remove some plants and trees so we can carry out maintenance work on our fences.
We work with conservation and environmental experts so we don’t harm native wildlife while we do this.
Need more information?
If you want to know more about how we look after the fences along the railway, or have a problem with any of our fences, please get in touch with us.