A group of 12 Cub Scouts have returned to Barnstaple Station for a day of community rail activities, followed by a try the train trip to Eggesford, as part of their work towards their Platforms for Change badge.
On the morning of Tuesday 5 August, the Cubs arrived at Barnstaple Station and were split into groups, where they completed activities on the history of the station and different modes of sustainable transport. The young ones then went on to do some litter picking on the platforms and watering the seasonal planters.
Once their hands-on activities were finished, the Cubs boarded a Great Western Railway service to Eggesford to have an exciting adventure in a nearby forest – one of three woodland areas that are walking distance from the railway station.
This is the second time the 5th North Devon Scout Group has visited Barnstaple Station, having previously had an exciting day at the station in February 2025.
As part of the Platforms for Change initiative, groups from Squirrels (4-year-olds) to Explorers (up to 18-year-olds) are invited to get involved with local station friends groups and community rail partnerships. Each group is given a rail safety talk in preparation for a trip on a train to help build travel confidence and awareness.
As well as a ‘Platforms for Change’ badge, the groups can work towards other badges including gardening, volunteering, nature, photography and writing.
Tim Steer, chair of the Friends of Barnstaple Station, said: “It brings our volunteers great joy to see the 5th North Devon Scout Group came back to help with worthwhile community activities at the railway station.
“Barnstaple Station continues to grow in users, and the time has come to support those who want to learn about the railway and to be safe when using sustainable transport.
“We are grateful to Great Western Railway who provided train tickets for the Cub Scouts which enabled them to have a wonderful day out on their hourly service to Eggesford. The Friends of Barnstaple Station hope to see other groups at the station in the future, and we would welcome ideas for making Barnstaple railway station a community hub.”
Emma Morris, senior community impact manager at Great Western Railway, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the 5th North Devon Scout Group to Barnstaple and on board for a day of activities and adventures.
“Supporting our local communities is at the heart of what we do at Great Western Railway. Having the opportunity to contribute to the Cubs’ day of learning and exploration along the much-loved Tarka Line, and help so many of them earn their badges, has made us immensely proud.
“We hope this is the first of many great adventures by train as they get a taste for exploring the Devonshire countryside.”
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