Station adoption groups launched across Aylesbury Vale as part of Community Rail Week
Station adoption groups have been launched across Aylesbury Vale as part of Community Rail Week.
The annual week-long campaign celebrates the value of community rail and the positive difference it can make across the country.
The adoption groups have been established at Haddenham & Thame Parkway and Saunderton, as well as at Gerrards Cross and Oxford Parkway.
A key role of the groups is ensuring the stations are welcoming places to visit, and this happens through activities such as planting and tending gardens, community events and other engagement activities.
Thanks to the adoption group, at Oxford Parkway station students from the City of Oxford College are transforming its green space into a garden featuring fruit trees and benches.
The project was funded through Chiltern Railways Community Investment Fund, which is also supporting projects including the installation of murals and artwork installations across the route.
Community rail lead at Chiltern Railways Harry Burr said: “Community Rail Week is the perfect moment to recognise the dedication of the volunteers who bring our stations to life.
“Welcoming four new adoption groups this year is a great milestone - these volunteers will make a big difference to the experience of customers travelling on our network, and those in the wider community.
“We are also excited about what's coming next through the Community Investment Fund, delivering projects that will transform station spaces and areas immediately around them."
Director of policy and communications at the Community Rail Network Chris Birks added: “It’s fantastic to see Chiltern Railways continuing to grow community rail across its network.
“Alongside the creativity and enthusiasm volunteers bring, this work also supports inclusion, accessibility and confidence in using rail for a wide range of people.
“These groups will make a positive impact both for passengers and for their wider communities.”