Network Rail’s “cavalier attitude” in clearing trees and shrubs from an area rich in animal biodiversity has been criticised by residents and councillors.

The rail company has recently taken to clearing much of the trackside vegetation behind Ebury Road, prompting neighbours to express their displeasure.

Ebury Road resident Julie Murray said the area was home to numerous species of owls, bats, and other birds, and that the removal of mature trees would endanger their existence.

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“The policy of clearing along the embankments is extreme and very damaging to an established area of wildlife,” she said.

“We are not happy for them to come along and flatten everything.

“They haven’t been maintaining this land for years so to turn up now and flatten an established nature habitat is an outrage.”

She said workers turned up unannounced to begin the systematic removal of trees and foliage, adding that Network Rail were unaccountable “faceless bullies”.

“We are understandably concerned about erosion and flooding of which Network Rail had no answer for us,” she said.

“We know foliage has to be removed but now we’re being told large trees will be removed.”

She added that the trees had been there for at least 15 years and had never posed a problem before.

Watford borough councillor Rabi Martins said the policy of removing mature trees displayed a “blatant disregard for wildlife habitat”, and that the fauna in the area would suffer as a result.

“Legally they are not doing anything wrong but morally they are doing everything wrong - they’re not giving consideration to the environment,” he said.

“Watford has precious little green space and habitat for wildlife. It is a disgrace that Network Rail take such a cavalier attitude to our environment.

“The council has got very limited control over what Network Rail can do as they have a number of special exemptions but we are concerned they have damaged wildlife habitat without consulting us.”

Cllr Martins said he was hoping to broker a meeting between concerned locals and Network Rail representatives in the near future to discuss future works, adding: “It’s too late to do anything about this now.”

Network Rail spokesman Jon Crampton said: “We manage vegetation to help keep the railway safe and reliable for the millions of passengers who travel by train every day.

“Trees can pose several potential hazards including falling onto the line as well as depositing leaves onto the track -  an imminent seasonal challenge which can have a significant effect on trains, causing delays and disruption to passengers.

“All of our vegetation management is carefully planned, taking wildlife and the environment into consideration.”