A new logo has been launched by the Heart of Wales Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP), which promotes the scenic 121-mile railway line between Swansea and Shrewsbury via the rural uplands of Carmarthenshire, Powys, and Shropshire.

The partnership commissioned Knighton-based illustrator Arry Cain to develop initial concepts and the new logo was launched at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in the presence of Partnership members and Red Kites Salsa and Saffron, birds of prey that can often be seen in the skies along the railway line. Having once been a threatened species in the 1980s, there are now more than 300 breeding pairs of Red Kites in Wales, thanks to successful conservation projects.

Richard Whiting, Community Rail Officer for the CRP, said: “The previous logo had been in existence for more than 20 years and, with new members joining the Community Rail Partnership, it was a good opportunity to refresh our identity.

“We’re keen to maintain the Red Kite as part of the new logo, as it is the iconic symbol of the Line. It is recognisable to many and presents a strong identity for the Partnership.

“In addition to the Kite, we have featured the forests of rural mid-Wales and Cynghordy Viaduct, one of two impressive Victorian viaducts the Line traverses. Having developed various concepts with Arry, we are delighted with the final outcome, which will now be visible on our website, social media and general printed publicity.”

Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday 30 August, illustrator Arry said: “The Heart of Wales Line is close to my heart, having grown up in Knighton and used it to get to college as a teenager. To be commissioned for the design of the new logo was wonderful and it gave me a great excuse to return home for research and spend time with the Red Kites!”