A railway development company and a group of volunteers are joining forces to create a green corridor stretching from Leeds to Carlisle.
The project by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, and the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (FoSCL), involves stations along the 72-mile line that links Cumbria and Yorkshire.
All stations have been entered into the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Cumbria and Yorkshire in Bloom awards, in an attempt to enhance the environment for both people and wildlife.
As an accredited Community Rail Partnership, the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company works collaboratively with local businesses, community groups and organisations along the famous rail route.
Every station has been entered for the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood category, and FoSCL and its Station Adopter Groups are inviting organisations to join them to make the line a 'blooming success'.
FoSCL Station Adopters Team leader, Larry Jones, said: "We know our line is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and we want to ensure our stations look their very best - and also help improve the environment for people and wildlife.
"We would welcome any support from local organisations and businesses to help us plant up the areas around our stations and create wildlife havens."
Their initiative has already attracted help from Girlguiding groups who have built a bug hotel at Settle Station, while the Penrith and Area Red Squirrel Group has installed a red squirrel feeder and nest box at Appleby Station.
The Appleby Rotary Group has also pitched in to tidy up their local station.
Chair of Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, Pete Myers, said: "We are delighted to be able to support FoSCL with their entry into the It's Your Neighbourhood category for both Cumbria and Yorkshire in Bloom.
"Everyone knows taking public transport is a great way of reducing your carbon footprint, is better for the environment and makes travel more sustainable.
"Now we are taking that one step further and enhancing our stations along the line to improve the area for people and wildlife."
The project has received financial support from train operator CrossCountry to purchase new plants and planters.
Alex Bray, CrossCountry’s stakeholder liaison manager for the North East and Scotland, said: "It’s fantastic to be able to support this wonderful project which benefits both the environment and rail users.
"As a national rail operator, it’s important for us to get involved with such special projects across the length and breadth of our network – so it’s great to be able to support the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company and the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line in this ‘blooming wonderful’ endeavour."
Any gardeners or groups interested in contributing to the Settle-Carlisle in Bloom project are being encouraged to contact Larry Jones at volunteers@settle-carlisle.com for further information.
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