Celebrating community rail and the people who help make our stations welcoming places
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership was delighted to see two of our Ellesmere Port station volunteers take part in a special Community Rail Week event at Liverpool Central Station.
Peter Brown and Babajide Lawal joined volunteers and partners from across the Merseyrail network to help promote Merseyrail in Bloom. The initiative celebrates community involvement, environmental improvement and local pride at railway stations.
The event formed part of Community Rail Week 2026, a national campaign coordinated by Community Rail Network.
This year’s theme, Journeys for All, highlights how community rail brings people together, supports inclusion and strengthens connections between railways and local communities.
Throughout the week, Community Rail Network celebrates the volunteers, community groups, rail partners and organisations that help make rail travel more accessible, welcoming and connected to the places it serves.
Showcasing the impact of station volunteers
Throughout the day, volunteers spoke with passengers about the work taking place across the network to make stations greener, brighter and more welcoming.
Station volunteers support colourful planting displays and community gardens. They also help deliver artwork, heritage projects and environmental improvements. As a result, stations better reflect the character of the communities they serve.
Peter and Babajide proudly represented Ellesmere Port Station and the wider North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership area. They also shared the positive impact that volunteers can make through community rail.
More than flowers
Launched by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2024, Merseyrail in Bloom recognises the efforts of station volunteers and community groups across the rail network.
While planting and horticulture remain important parts of the scheme, Merseyrail in Bloom offers much more than flowers. It encourages community engagement, creative projects, environmental improvements and partnerships that help bring people together.
In addition, the initiative supports opportunities for schools, community organisations and local residents. Together, they help improve stations, strengthen community pride and create welcoming public spaces.
Community rail in action
Community Rail Week, led by Community Rail Network, celebrates the people who help make railways more inclusive, accessible and connected to their communities.
Peter and Babajide’s involvement demonstrates the valuable contribution station volunteers make across our region. Furthermore, their enthusiasm, commitment and community spirit help strengthen connections between local people and their railway.
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership would like to thank Peter and Babajide for representing Ellesmere Port during Community Rail Week and for their continued support of community rail activities.
Could you volunteer at Ellesmere Port Station?
Volunteers help make stations welcoming, vibrant and community-focused places.
You may be interested in gardening, community projects, heritage or events. Alternatively, you may simply want to help improve your local station. Either way, there are opportunities to get involved.
Find out more about volunteering with North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and how you can support community rail activities across the region. www.northcheshirecrp.org/volunteering/
Volunteers such as Peter and Babajide continue to make a positive difference. Through their efforts, local people help create stations and railways that communities can be proud of.
