Numerous stations along Greater Anglia’s network have achieved a ‘Wildlife Friendly Station’ status.

Braintree Freeport and Cressing stations in Essex, Melton and Kennett stations in Suffolk, Sheringham station in Norfolk and Whittlesea station in Cambridgeshire all achieved the status.

The Greater Anglia Wildlife Friendly Stations Accreditation Scheme recognises efforts to make stations feature more nature and increase biodiversity.

The operator teams up with each region’s Wildlife Trust to recognise the achievement.

Ecological reports are carried out to assess the quality of the environment created, with numerous stations making the most of available space to plant a range of flora to attract key species to the area.

The station improvements make each station much more welcoming to passengers while also helping to create a wide range of environments.

The station adopters involved with these stations focus on increasing native plant cover, attracting pollinators, and creating shelter for smaller animals, such as hedgehogs and other keystone species.

Surveys carried out by station adopters saw an increase in a range of species, including bats, bees, slow worms, deer, lizards, toads, foxes, and birds.

Other stations have already received this award, such as those in Suffolk and Lingwood.

“We are delighted to partner with the region’s wildlife trusts to formally recognise the valuable work of our station adopter volunteers in supporting wildlife and improving their local environment.”

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville