Hi everyone, we hope this bulletin finds you all well, and you have managed to stay safe in the wake of storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin.
Community Rail Week (23-29 May)
With train travel still well below pre-pandemic levels, the main thrust of this year’s Community Rail Week will be centred on increasing confidence and encouraging people to travel by train. The simple strapline of “Give the Train a Try” will allow us to reach out to those who may not have considered taking the train before as well those returning to the train, supporting social inclusion and modal shift. Read about the theme here and see our guidance here on how you might take part. More information will be shared over the coming weeks about our plans and how we’re supporting members to get involved.
Biodiversity report
This week sees the launch of our new report on Community Rail & Biodiversity, sponsored by Rail Delivery Group. The report explores the growing awareness and efforts in support of biodiversity gain, and to connect people with nature, within the movement. It is packed with case studies and examples of community rail impacting positively on the natural world, and signposts you to tools and partners that can help. See the report.
Window Seater audio guides
Last week saw several community rail partnerships and volunteers, along with Community Rail Network and start-up tech company Window Seater, launch a series of immersive audio travel guides to inspire people to travel by train. The guides cover nine railway lines across the GWR network and draw on local stories and insights collected through community rail. Read more here.
Support & development team review
Our support & development team, which provides direct support to our members in line with our membership offer (see the offer for CRPs, station friends and community stations), is currently reviewing the way it works. The idea is to ensure we’re responsive to the needs of our growing membership, while being proactive in aiding the development and enhancing the impact of the movement. To inform this review we’re conducting a mini-survey specifically about the support you get from this team. All members are being sent a link by email and will have until 11th March to respond.
As always, if you have comments or stories, please email news@communityrail.org.uk
Your next bulletin is on 9 March. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Best wishes
Richard & Jools
Partner news and events
- West Yorkshire job seekers urged to consider rail industry training
- Community rail feeds into UK-wide review of transport accessibility
- Re-watch the community rail & Great British Railways Transition Team webinar
