Binsted Parish Council works in partnership with South Western Railway on their Station Adoption project at Bentley Station.
Station adopters are groups of volunteers who aim to make our stations more welcoming for our community. Working with SWR we aim to make the most out of the Bentley station environment, taking a lead on imagining new and creative ways for the station to better serve the community and to strengthen its place within our local area. Safety training relevant to our station has been delivered so that our aspirations can be safely carried out by volunteers.
Projects are funded by the Community Rail Network (the national body for adopters) and occasionally special grants are available to carry out specific initiatives.
Jo Ibbotson, our Station Road councillor, currently leads on the Station Adoption scheme, supported by a number of our parish volunteers who may
- provide or help to look after flowers and planters at stations
- assist with passenger surveys, events and promotions
- organise or lead guided walks and cycle rides for visitors and local community
- promote and improve access to or from stations via bus, cycle, walking or car sharing
- help ‘keep an eye’ on stations in the evenings and at weekends
- report any damage, or anti-social behaviour
What ongoing projects are underway at Bentley Station?
Working with gardening clubs at Binsted and Bentley Primary schools, Jo has overseen the installation of planters at the station entrance and on the platforms. These are maintained by the Station Road Waterers group, funded through an annual SWR planter grant scheme and generous seasonal donations from local gardening enthusiasts. We are also grateful to Haskins Garden Centre at Holt Pound, who generously donated materials for the initial set-up.
Binsted, Rowledge and Bentley Primary Schools exhibit artwork in the station’s Waiting Room for the interest of our travellers. Exhibitions are changed termly.
What initiatives are planned for the future?
To celebrate Railway 200 at Bentley Station, enthusiastic local historians have compiled a history of our station which is to be published as a permanent platform display once funding has been secured.
Longer-term projects entail liaising with partners to install onward signage to areas of natural interest locally. Bentley Station is a sustainable entry into the South Downs National Park and all its assets, including Blacknest Fields, Bentley Station Butterfly Meadow, The Shipwrights’ Way and Alice Holt Forest.
New volunteers are always welcomed! Do contact the Parish Clerk or Jo Ibbotson: j.ibbotson@binstedparishcouncil.org.uk
For further information on Wey Valley Community Rail: https://weyvalleycrp.co.uk/
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