Protecting the environment and nature is a high priority for Deutsche Bahn. Therefore, DB aims to manage its land in an ecologically sustainable way. To promote biodiversity, DB has partnered with external experts to study how cutting back plants under high-voltage power lines can be optimized. The results are currently being evaluated and are planned to be tested in practice in a pilot project.

Vegetation management with state-of-the-art technology

Extreme weather events are increasing. For this reason, Deutsche Bahn is working to better monitor and maintain trees along its tracks. The inspections also use advanced technology: in collaboration with the start-up LiveEO, satellite images are analyzed to create digital vegetation maps of railway lines using artificial intelligence. This provides DB with an overview of tree density, their growth, height and distance from the tracks. This allows storm-prone trees to be identified more quickly and maintenance to be improved.

Insect protection research at stations

In the multi-year project “Insect Protection at Stations through Insect-Friendly Lighting” (BALIN), Deutsche Bahn, together with external partners, is researching how the use of alternative light sources can contribute positively to insect protection. Six stations have been equipped with insect-friendly lighting. Using so-called cross-window traps, the attractiveness of the light sources to insects was examined. The results of the sample analyses conducted in 2024 are expected to be completed by mid-2025. Based on these findings, recommendations for action will be derived and regulations adapted.

The project receives funding from the Federal Ministry for the Environment via a biodiversity program run by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.