Volunteers Help Enhance Biodiversity at Meldreth Station
Meldreth Station has been given a biodiversity boost thanks to the efforts of eight volunteers from Alstom and Network Rail's Cambridge Resignalling, Relock and Recontrol (C3R) programme.
Working alongside the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership, the volunteers spent a morning transforming land beside Platform 2 into a more attractive and wildlife-friendly space for passengers and local residents to enjoy.
Funded through an Alstom Community Grant, the project included clearing and tidying the area before introducing a range of new planting. Lavender and salvias were added to provide colour and a valuable source of nectar for pollinating insects, while ferns and spring bulbs were planted in the shadier area at the rear of the station to provide year-round interest.
Supporting local wildlife was a key aim of the project. An old tree trunk has been retained on site to create habitat for insects and other invertebrates, and a new hedgehog house has been installed to provide shelter for one of Britain’s most loved but increasingly vulnerable garden visitors.
The volunteers are involved in Network Rail’s Cambridge Resignalling, Relock and Recontrol (C3R) programme, which is modernising railway signalling across the Cambridge area and helping to create a safer, more reliable railway. They gave up their time to help improve the station environment and give something back to the communities served by the railway.
Sarah Grove, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the volunteers from Alstom and Network Rail for all their hard work. Their enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in has created a welcoming space for passengers while also helping to increase biodiversity around the station.”
The work at Meldreth forms part of a wider programme of station improvements in the area, with similar planting projects planned at Shepreth and Audley End stations in the coming months.
Adam Bostanci, Deputy Chair of the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership said: “There is still space for additional “rail-friendly” planting at Meldreth Station. Suitable plants are non-woody species that grow to no more than around 4-5 feet in height and do not create excessive leaf fall near the railway.”
Anyone interested in donating suitable plants is encouraged to contact the Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership.
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