East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a project to improve biodiversity at East Midlands Parkway station, transforming the site’s surrounding green space into a thriving refuge for wildlife.
The project at East Midlands Parkway in Nottinghamshire has been developed with input from ecological experts at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, EMR’s Community Rail team, and local partners, and is part of EMR’s Getting There Greener Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan.
The plan aims to make the railway a key support in creating thriving natural environments – delivering biodiversity net gain by 2035.
With dedicated funding secured through EMR, the project will deliver a range of interventions designed to enhance the site’s existing 6.3 hectares of grassland, scrub, ponds, and woodland.
The project will introduce new habitats across the site, including hibernacula, log piles and rock trenches for reptiles and amphibians; nest boxes to support declining bird species such as whitethroat, bullfinch and linnet; and bug hotels, sandy banks and wildflower seed mixes to provide vital resources for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Volunteers, community groups, and local organisations will play a central role in the delivery of these improvements – from planting and seed-sowing to building wildlife-friendly features like bug hotels and hibernacula.
One of these groups are a number of staff from East Midlands Airport who kindly gave up their time to improve the nearest station to the airport.
East Midlands Parkway is one of several stations set to benefit from EMR’s wider programme of nature recovery projects, with a similar project already started at Hucknall station.
Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “With some hard work and careful planning we can turn our stations into important spaces for wildlife as well as people.
“By working with local experts and the community, we’re ensuring this site continues to thrive – providing homes for birds, reptiles, and pollinators while also creating a greener, more welcoming environment for customers.
“We’re proud to be investing in nature recovery and look forward to seeing the site flourish. We would like to thank the staff from East Midlands Airport who gave up their time and did such a great job.”
Hollie Fisher, Nature Recovery Advice Manager At Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts Wild Solutions team said: “We are delighted to be partnering with EMR to put nature at the heart of rail and establish East Midlands Parkway as a flagship site for biodiversity.
“By taking a nature first approach, creating the right habitats in the right places and supporting key species, we hope to not only benefit the wildlife on site, but also to inspire and influence others, connecting people to nature, setting a benchmark for biodiversity within the sector.”
East Midlands Airport’s Community Engagement Manager Colleen Hempson said: “We see volunteering as a crucial part of our engagement with the communities surrounding the airport, so we were delighted to take part in this great project which also aligns with our sustainability strategy.
“Transport hubs like train stations and airports may not immediately seem like areas for wildlife to flourish, but we know that with care and effort they certainly can, and we’re pleased to have played a part in getting EMR’s project at East Midlands Parkway off the ground.”
