The railway has a statutory duty to ensure that the effect of its operations and activities on the environment is kept to a minimum; without impacting the health and safety of members of the public, GWSR staff or volunteers or the safe operation of trains.
It is therefore Company policy to:
Manage the environmental impact of railway operations, so long as neither health nor safety is compromised.
Provide all GWSR staff and volunteers with the information required to ensure that hazardous substances are effectively managed.
Follow suitable procedures for the safe handling, storage and transportation of chemicals and hazardous materials within all areas used by the Company.
Maintain an awareness of environmental responsibility and encourage an acceptance of individual responsibility among GWSR staff and volunteers, members of public and contractors.
Ensure that plant, equipment and vehicles operate with minimum impact on the environment.
Limit risks of fire caused by the use of heritage rolling stock and both steam and diesel locomotives.
Manage the line-side vegetation such as to minimise the risk of unintentional fire and to preserve the integrity of embankments and cuttings.
Ensure that all vegetation clearance is carried out with proper regard to environmental risk assessments (which shall include observation of bird nesting seasons, bat corridors, tree preservation orders and the protection of endangered species).
Obtain expert advice on any item that is outside the knowledge and experience of Company staff.
Leave undisturbed the natural wildlife along the “Nature Corridor” of the GWSR route where this does not impinge on safe railway operations and working practices.
This policy statement was approved by the board of Directors of the GWSR plc.