Green fingered volunteers from Barclays Bank at Barnstaple station

Volunteers from Barclays Bank recently spent the day gardening at Barnstaple station.

The team, from the local Barnstaple branch, joined forces with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Tarka Rail Association to weed the planters on the station and add in some spring flowers as part of an ongoing project at the station.

Students from Petroc College studying horticulture also maintain the planters on the station once a month.

Rebecca Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said:

“We have been so lucky with the support we have had for this project locally which has transformed the disused platform at Barnstaple station, hopefully to the delight of passengers and staff alike.“

Jo Pollard, Assistant Manager at Barclays North Devon Group, said:

“We are delighted to support the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the Tarka Rail Association to make this happen. Barclays has a fantastic Colleague Community Programme that encourages employees to get involved in the causes we care about.  It’s about giving back our skills, time and energy to support our local communities – so we’re thrilled to have supported this project.”

Melanie Harvey from Great Western Railway said:

“So often our railway stations are at the heart of the communities they serve. I am always so heartened when members of our community volunteer to help to improve the station environment.“

“Throughout the Great Western Railway network community rail groups play a leading role, adding value to projects designed to improve services and make stations safer, friendlier, more attractive, and greener.”

Students from the National Citizen Service, coordinated by Petroc College have also been instrumental in rejuvenating the space through their social action weeks which take place in the summer.

The gardens at Barnstaple station recently received a special award as part of the Tarka Rail Association’s annual Station Garden competition.

The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership works to promote the six rural branch lines in two counties and is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, including Devon County Council, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth University and Great Western Railway.