EcoReporter was initially developed in 2016 as a way of recording protected, invasive or notable wildlife whilst out on site. The data are entered into a central database that can be accessed by the wider business to help inform them of any ecological constraints identified during planning so that they are able to reduce any potential environmental risk.
The application was updated in 2020 to enable greater accessibility to these data and to make it compatible with GeoRINM, Network Rail’s internal Geographical Information System (GIS).
From March 2021, all ecological records submitted through EcoReporter are added to the appropriate mapping layers within GeoRINM, on a quarterly basis – and these maps are accessible to the entire business.
The application also contains an ecology guide with helpful photographs and identification tips for a number of protected and invasive species.
EcoReporter can be easily downloaded from the NR app catalogue, where you will be asked to setup a profile prior to use.
If you have any queries about EcoReporter or suggestions, please email EnvironmentandSustainability@networkrail.co.uk