Environment & Conservation

The Trust has recently completed a Carbon Emissions Plan with the ambitious target of making the operational railway carbon neutral by 2030. To measure the progress of the plan, from the start of this year, 2023, full records will be kept of all fuels used in order for an accurate record of emitted carbon to be assessed.

The main source of carbon emissions from the operation of the railway is the coal burnt by the steam locomotives. Trials have already taken place with alternative fuels and these will continue as new replacement fuels continue to be developed.

In addition, records will also be kept of diesel and petrol which are used. Our diesel usage will be much reduced this year as our new, insulated tea room has been brought in to use, eliminating the old diesel space heater which was used previously in the old marquee.

All electricity used at the railway is from sustainable sources.

Besides targeting carbon neutrality, it is aimed to actively enhance the environment of the railway. To this end, our volunteers have made recent progress in restoring paths and enhancing the habitat in our woodland at Woody Bay, in addition to improving the land management of the whole site, including the linesides, to improve biodiversity and habitats.

 Further planting of small tree species and hedging is due to take place shortly at Woody Bay. Thanks are due to Devon Wildlife Trust for fully funding the cost of this planting following a visit by two of their conservation officers last spring.

Though the principal aim of the L & B Trust is to restore and preserve our iconic railway, nevertheless we recognise that environment and conservation issues are part of our wider responsibility within our operations. This factor is also amongst major issues that are looked at by potential funders when assessing our eligibility for grants so we are aiding the expansion of the railway by acting positively in this aspect of our policies and actions.

All news on the issue of environment and conservation will appear in this section of the website.