All you need to know about the 2026 Rail Environmental Forum

Here is more on what you can expect from this year’s Rail Environmental Forum:

Jonathan Harries, National Technical Manager for Environmental Monitoring

The exterior cleaning of Passenger Rolling Stock over open unprotected ballast, commonly known within the rail industry as hand bashing, is an activity that has taken place on the UK rail network for many years.

Previously, little thought has been given to the effects of such cleaning on the surrounding environment, and now, with a greater emphasis being placed on the protection of groundwater lying beneath sites, including train maintenance depots, the time has come to consider modifying or even ending such activities.

Jonathan's session will look at the environmental risks posed by hand bashing, the applicable legislation covering groundwater protection and possible ways of undertaking the exterior cleaning of rolling stock whilst also protecting the environment.

Nicola Atkinson, Rail Account Manager

With train cleanliness becoming an increasing focus under the new nationalised railway structure, this year's Railway Environmental Forum will include a dedicated session on maximising the performance and efficiency of carriage wash plants.

Nicola will examine the key factors that influence wash quality and operational performance, including the different types of carriage wash systems in use across the rail sector. Compare flail systems against traditional brush systems, as well as the importance of achieving optimum overlap and coverage to ensure consistent cleaning standards while minimising wear on both wash plant equipment and rolling stock.

The presentation will also explore the impact of water quality on cleaning performance, reviewing the benefits and practical considerations associated with using softened water, reverse osmosis (RO) water and recycled water systems. The discussion will focus on how the correct water treatment strategy can improve wash results, reduce spotting and scale formation, and support sustainability objectives through reduced water consumption.

She will review water and chemical management best practices, including chemical selection, dosing control, storage, monitoring and environmental considerations. Effective management of these elements is critical to maintaining cleaning performance, controlling costs and ensuring compliance with environmental requirements.

Finally, we’ll cover the planned preventative maintenance (PPM) requirements for carriage wash plants, covering routine inspections, servicing, calibration, water treatment equipment maintenance and common operational issues.

Mark Forsbrook, Technical Team Leader, Fire Safety Practice

Mark will provide an overview of the processes involved in fire door inspections, compartmentation surveys, and fire risk assessment.

The skillsets involved, the qualifications/outcomes expected, and the key differences between the differing inspection types and their interdependencies will be discussed, along with the links to statutory duties of the Responsible Person and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

James Sneddon, Principal Ecologist

James Sneddon will establish how early and proportionate ecological input can help rail facilities and infrastructure teams reduce project risk, avoid delays, and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

This will focus on train maintenance and stabling depots, as well as stations and wider rail infrastructure. The presentation will cover the ecological considerations associated with buildings, sidings, drainage, lighting, vegetation, and construction works.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of when ecological advice is needed, how survey timing can influence programmes, and how effective controls and biodiversity opportunities can be integrated into the management and improvement of operational railway sites.