Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is celebrating national recognition after winning ‘Best Community Engagement Project’ at the 21st Community Rail Awards, for its innovative work engaging communities with their local railway.
The event, organised by Community Rail Network and supported by headline partner East Midlands Railway, took place at Derby Arena on 19 March. A record-breaking 610 guests attended from Community Rail Partnerships, Station Friends Groups & Train Operating Companies across the country
Judges reviewed more than 300 entries showcasing the extraordinary work takingplace across Britain to connect communities with their railways.
Marston Vale CRP in conjunction with Bedfordshire RCC won the award for its Rails to Roots project at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, which was set up in May 2023 with the aim of promoting health and wellbeing through nature-based activities. It has since greatly enhanced both the outdoor spaces of the site and visitor experience.
The project has evolved from a regular garden group meeting fortnightly to team building volunteer opportunities for rail industry staff and ‘Try the Train’ experiences for community groups to enjoy nature-based activities in the garden.
The judges praised Rails to Roots for its inclusive approach, strong collaboration and thoughtful engagement.
As one of the participants put it:
“Everyone’s contribution to the Rail to Roots Community Garden Group is encouraged no matter what their background, and I instantly felt comfortable and part of the group after my first session.
The group provides a safe space for anyone who may struggle with their mental health or in larger groups, with qualified staff who are completely non-judgemental to support. I always enjoy seeing visitors knowing that we help to preserve a beautiful railway station which has a wonderful history back to the days of steam engines.
Tea, biscuits and a chat is important, and sharing home-grown produce with volunteers at the end of the session is always appreciated.”
More broadly, Marston Vale CRP delivers a wide range of community engagement and social inclusion initiatives, supports volunteering at stations, promotes green travel and tourism by rail, and works with railway and local authority partners.
Stephen Sleight, Marston Vale CRP Officer said:
“We are really proud to see the work of Marston Vale CRP recognised at a national level. This award is a fitting testament to the Rails to Roots volunteers and Bedfordshire RCC Green Social Prescribing Team who have worked incredibly hard to transform the outdoor space at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre over the last couple of years.
Our thanks to the volunteer teams from London Northwestern Railway, Network Rail and East West Railway Company for their support.
We look forward to further developing Rails to Roots as part of the forthcoming Marston Vale Line 180th Anniversary celebrations.”
Want to find out more and how to get involved? Check out the Rails to Roots film.