As part of Community Rail Week, themed ‘More than a railway’, SCRP line officer Sara worked in partnership with Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey Hills Society, and Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust to create an immersive experience involving rail travel for a group from Surrey Choices. Surrey Choices support young disabled adults, autistic people and those with sensory needs, and mental health problems to fulfil their potential and reach their goals.
The aim was to travel by train between the rolling downland landscape of Surrey Hills and the more intimate, wildlife-rich landscape around the Blackwater Valley Stations. The aim was to be ‘more than a railway’, to create connections between the two areas and to increase confidence using the train. Beginning with a fun session at Redhill Station about buying tickets and planning onward journeys, to take part in the creative activity on the train and to enjoy the journey; followed by a guided walk and picnic lunch. This was a pilot project, funded by GWR, to build greater links between two distinct areas of the North Downs Line, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust and the Surrey Hills National Landscape and to provide Surrey Choices with the opportunity to increase rail travel confidence. Hopefully it will lead to more joint events.
At Redhill, SCRP Education Officer Cath Reed helped build confidence in rail travel, by talking about buying tickets, using ticket machines and accessing the gateline. Aboard the train, the group took part in a creative drawing session, led by Sara Grisewood SCRP Line Officer, inspired by the landscape of the Surrey Hills and the wildlife of the Blackwater Valley. At Farnborough North in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, they explored tranquil fishing lakes, regenerated gravel pits, offering a striking contrast to the chalk hills of the Surrey Hills. Finally, everyone came together to look at each others artwork, and have a tour of Reg’s Garden, a beautiful community space looked after by dedicated volunteers from Farnborough Street Resident’s Association. The session ended with a sociable picnic lunch with hot drinks and cake.
This initiative embodies inclusivity, aiming to help communities feel empowered and confident using the train, as well as experiencing it in a new way to visit neighbouring countryside. It is exemplary of how Community Rail Partnerships not only connect people to the railway, but also to the surrounding history, heritage, and nature. This pilot project is a collaboration between Surrey Hills National Landscape, Surrey Hills Society, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, Surrey Choices and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust, together with the support of Farnborough Street Residents Association and GWR.
Sinead said she "Really enjoyed the day, I learnt about the community garden, nature, and how to use the train safely. It was relaxing and I liked it."
Sinead said she "Really enjoyed the day, I learnt about the community garden, nature, and how to use the train safely. It was relaxing and I liked it."