Two rabbits, a hedgehog plus numerous snowdrops and daffodils – we’ve seen them all this spring at Goostrey station. During the last working party, we heard a dozen different bird species including goldfinches, blackbirds, robins and wrens.

We also enjoyed the artwork by children from Goostrey School. The current display has pictures and poems inspired by the sight and sound of railway engines as they travel through our village station.

Earlier this year, FoGS members Craig Sidebotham and Christina Burgess were thrilled to attend the 21st Community Rail Awards. The venue was the Arena in Derby, a city that reflects both the proud heritage and the exciting future of Britain’’s railways.

Community Rail oversees about 75 community rail partnerships and 1300 station adopter groups. The chief executive, Jools Townsend, explained that the awards are a national celebration of the exceptional work taking place across England, Scotland and Wales to strengthen the relationship between railways and the communities they serve. Projects this year included building travel confidence, promoting greener journeys, transforming stations and championing diversity.  You can find out more details on the Community Rail website communityrail.org.uk/hall-of-fame/2026/

With more than 300 entries to 14 award categories, we were delighted to receive a certificate of excellence for It’s Your Station. FoGS was one of only 4 station adopters to score so many points that they were placed in the platinum group in this category. In addition, we were shortlisted for the Railway 200 legacy award.

FoGS has achieved a lot, but there’s still work to be done. As well as improving planting and working with local young people, we’re trying to install toilet and washing facilities in the restored station building.