Train-themed GWR Outdoor Classroom to be built at Herefordshire primary school

The GWR Outdoor Classroom at Colwall Primary School will include an information board describing the history of the railway line between Hereford and London, a special feature constructed from railway sleepers listing all the main stations, and a Friendship Train.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Colwall Rotary Club is teaming up with the school to lead the project, providing expertise through members and free labour during construction.

Rotary club secretary Peter Key said:

“Colwall is unique in Herefordshire in being the only village with a main line service to London Paddington served by GWR and the history and development of the village has been strongly influenced by the construction of the line linking Hereford and the capital.

“The Outdoor Classroom will enable all pupils to benefit from learning in a different environment, as advocated by OFSTED, educating them about the history and significance of the railway to the community through design features such as the information board and railway sleeper feature.”

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.

“This is a really exciting project which celebrates Colwall’s special connection to the railway and will ensure the history of the GWR is celebrated for generations to come.”

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 

Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us