South Western Railway (SWR) is leading a new environmental initiative by sponsoring a special category in the South & South East in Bloom competition. This effort showcases outdoor activities at railway stations. Volunteers transform these spaces into vibrant green areas, benefiting both communities and biodiversity.

Celebrating Community-Led Outdoor Activities at Station Gardens

South & South East in Bloom is part of Britain in Bloom, a national movement that encourages communities to improve their local environment. For the first time, railway stations across southern England will compete in a dedicated category. Volunteers will display their hard work in station gardens and green spaces.

The community rail movement continues to expand. More than 100 SWR stations have been adopted by nearly 500 volunteers. They plant flowers, maintain greenery, and create murals that enhance public spaces.

Peter Holman, Chair of South & South East in Bloom, highlighted the initiative’s importance:

_”South & South East in Bloom is thrilled to collaborate with South Western Railway to develop the Stations in Bloom initiative. This partnership opens up fantastic new opportunities for participating station adopters to engage with the regional and wider Britain in Bloom community.

“Together, we can shine a spotlight on the extraordinary dedication and creativity of the volunteers who are transforming our stations along the SWR routes into stunning green spaces. Let’s celebrate these incredible efforts and inspire even more communities to get involved.”_

Transforming Stations Through Outdoor Activities and Biodiversity Initiatives

SWR’s sponsorship of the ‘Celebration Stations’ category is part of Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the start of the modern railway in 1825. SWR is sponsoring nominations from volunteers across its network. This support encourages more stations to enter the competition and gain recognition.

This initiative is more than a contest. It reflects SWR’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. Since 2023, SWR has invested over £250,000 in biodiversity projects. Ecologists have surveyed 33 locations. Their findings shape biodiversity action plans that will guide conservation efforts for the next 30 years.

Paula Aldridge, South Western Railway’s community rail manager, shared her enthusiasm:

_”South & South East in Bloom is an opportunity to celebrate those who make a positive difference to their communities. We have hundreds of volunteers and station adopters who make a real difference and take real care of the green spaces around our stations.

“It’s wonderful to have a category just for the region’s stations, especially as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. I love seeing our stations transformed into vibrant, welcoming spaces and we’re really looking forward to seeing nominations across the SWR network and beyond.”_

Biodiversity Hubs at Stations

SWR has taken major steps to integrate biodiversity into its operations. Its biodiversity gardens, located at depots in Bournemouth, Clapham Junction, Farnham, Feltham, Fratton, Northam (Southampton), Ryde (Isle of Wight), Salisbury, Strawberry Hill, and Wimbledon, set an example. These gardens feature ponds, vegetable patches, and diverse plants. They improve the environment for employees and wildlife alike.

Lottie Leigh-Browne, South Western Railway’s sustainability lead, explained the environmental benefits:

_“As the first UK train operator to join the Nature Positive Business Pledge, a commitment to halt and reverse impacts on nature, we really want to encourage our station adopters to share the great work they’re doing.

“We’re working on many different ways to increase biodiversity across our network, which is providing a benefit for local wildlife and our customers and colleagues.

“Natural habitats like station gardens and green spaces at our depot provide huge environmental value, with studies estimating that habitats around rail infrastructure could absorb more than 400,000 tonnes of CO2e over 30 years.”_

How to Get Involved

The deadline for entries in the ‘Celebration Stations’ category is March 31, 2025. Judging will take place between June and August. SWR encourages volunteers, railway employees, and community groups to submit their stations.

By recognizing community volunteers and promoting biodiversity, SWR ensures that its network is more than a transport system. It becomes a thriving ecosystem that benefits people, wildlife, and the environment.

With the introduction of ‘Celebration Stations’ in South & South East in Bloom, railway stations now have the chance to shine—not just as transit points but as symbols of environmental leadership and community pride.