With the news that a Heysham to Douglas ferry service was soon to come into operation, the Leeds-Morecambe CRP was keen to explore ways of enhancing Heysham Port Station, bolstering its position as a hub for community travel and further establishing integrated links between rail and ferry.

As well as transforming the station environment through litter picking, gardening, furniture repair and redecorating, the CRP engaged primary school pupils in rail safety, transport history and creative art projects. With the support of a local artist, six sessions were run with 40 Year Five pupils, developing their understanding of the port, the railway, and their connected histories. The workshops resulted in three pieces of art for both the station and the ferry terminal, reflecting the link between the two transport modes, as well as a series of panels highlighting the significant role of the railway and port over the past 120 years.

As a direct consequence of the project, the primary school involved have become adopters of the station and are already planning future projects. Joint ticketing options between rail and ferry are even being explored, which will further engage new passengers and promote a range of integrated journeys.

The Camberwell Society had several goals in mind when embarking on their project at Denmark Hill Station: improve the daily experience of rail users, make the station an interesting place to visit, and promote curiosity among young people.

The group began enhancing the station environment in late 2020, clearing rubbish and weeds and undertaking gardening tasks. They were then granted funding by Govia Thameslink Railway to build a display plinth, provide power and water supplies, create planters, and contribute towards display installations. Since the start of the project, over 18 different installations have greeted passengers walking to the station, including gardening displays, creative art pieces and a host of mechanical curiosities produced from found objects.

The hard work and dedication of the volunteers has transformed Denmark Hill Station into a space that is a source of inspiration for the whole community, with it’s ranking as runner-up in Rail Delivery Group’s 2023 World Cup of Stations award proving just that. Looking to the future, the Camberwell Society will be developing the station vineyard and encouraging wider local community participation in station activities.