Gloucestershire CRP sought to understand and address barriers to sustainable travel among young people, developing a practical toolkit empowering businesses to engage young people and consider their aspirations for greener travel.

Through workshops, surveys and research, the partnership brought together over 600 young people, five businesses and multiple rail industry partners to address sustainable travel challenges collaboratively, but with a youth-led approach. Gloucestershire CRP supported the young people to synthesise their research and findings into a comprehensive toolkit, as well as creating marketing assets to promote the toolkit more widely.

The project has positioned Gloucestershire CRP as a leader in youth-focused sustainable travel initiatives. Early indicators suggest increased interest from businesses in sustainable travel promotion and greater awareness among young people about their travel options. Cotswold Plus, a Local Visitor Economy Partnership, has incorporated the toolkit into its sustainability strategy, amplifying impact on sustainable travel among visitors and supporting destinations, and 15 of the young people involved in the project expressed an interest in ongoing involvement through a dedicated youth transport forum.

This initiative demonstrates how community rail partnerships can drive positive change through inclusive cross-sector partnerships, leveraging youth perspectives, and creating practical solutions. By aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and focusing on long-term sustainability, the Youth Travel Toolkit project is building a legacy of sustainable transport for future generations in Gloucestershire.

Severnside CRP’s ‘Fishing for Change’ offered families from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Bristol and Bath a unique day out during the summer holidays using three different modes of sustainable transport. The adventure started with a train ride, linking up with Bristol Community Ferries, before transferring to SeaCycler, an electric-powered punt made from recycled plastic for a ‘litter fishing’ experience, collecting litter from the harbour.

The project aimed to strengthen community cohesion by supporting families to try something fun and sustainable together, completely free of charge. With recent instances of knife crime prevalent in the areas participants live, the project incorporated early interventions to the crime epidemic through soft messaging and resources from Crimestoppers. While on the trip, families got to see some of Bristol’s historic landmarks from a new viewpoint and enjoy a creative session making ‘litter fish’ from the waste they collectively remove from the harbour.

130 people participated, removing 135kg of litter from the harbour, 78kg of which was sent for recycling. Families increased their knowledge of litter’s global impact and how everyone can make a real difference in their own local area. 98% of those who took part gave a five-star review and 82% expressed interest in future litter picking in their community. One participant even used the experience to apply for a green Blue Peter badge, demonstrating the lasting effects this project had on people’s passion for protecting our planet, and their understanding of how local actions can have global consequences.

The Helmsdale Station Project started in 2014, and over the years the group behind the project has worked tirelessly to generate income to fund improvements at the station; promote the line and sustainable, integrated transport; and benefit the local community.

Set up as a community interest company, phase one saw the restoration of the derelict, listed station building. Original platform features were restored, and the waiting room was returned to its rightful state as a place for passengers to relax and access important travel information. A photographic darkroom, run in conjunction with Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, was established in the stationmaster’s office, and the rest of the building was transformed into self-catering holiday accommodation that can sleep up to eight people. The station project continues to promote sustainable and active travel as a contribution to combatting climate change: visitors staying at the station are offered a 10% discount if arrival is by transport other than a private car, and the station group has also purchased a number of folding and e-bikes available to rent by those wanting to explore the local area further.

The steady flow of rental income now coming in has enabled the group to not only donate to local charities and community causes but reinvest the money back into the development of the station. Phase two of the project was completed this year, including acquiring funding and establishing the Far North Line Community Rail Partnership; supporting the local primary school to adopt the station, as well as organising rail safety and travel confidence trips; and hosting a 150^th anniversary event of the line’s opening for over 80 people at nearby Forsinard to promote sustainable travel and the designation of the RSPB Flow Country nature reserve – which is situated along the line – as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The success of the project was marked by His Majesty the King’s visit to Helmsdale Station in August 2024, with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 150^th anniversary and the dedication of the volunteers in revitalising the station.