Great Western Coffee Shop

Could someone tell me why so much of the railway lineside vegetation between Newton Abbot and Plymouth is allowed to become so overgrown that it almost continuously obliterates the view and even sometimes strikes passing trains that I have been on.I see that all the vegetation has just been completely removed on the short curved embankment at South Brent in stark contrast to the rest of the route.Why just this short bit as the overgrown vegetation gives an overall impression of neglect,an almost branch line feel.

You haven't seen overgrown lineside vegetation until you have made a trip along the Yeoford-Okehampton section at the moment; I wouldn't be at all surprised if the 'Nodding Donkey' used on Sunday requires a partial repaint!

Out of interest it must be a bit of an issue for drivers not having a clear view?

Network Rail is constrained by environmental legislation (nesting birds newts badgers etc), any vegetation that compromises signal sighting or operational safety get top priority and the Environment Agency informed if the clearance is in a restricted time, other vegetation that could compromise lineside equipment is dealt with out of nesting season as are trees if they cause autumn leaf fall problems.  NR also has a large number of Environmentally sensitive sites and even SSSI sites on its land or adjacent to it.   Also Network Rail accepts that areas of its land are habitats for wildlife.