Community rail
Community rail is a grassroots movement that connects people with their local railways and delivers social, environmental, and economic benefits. Across Britain, there are:
- 75+ Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs)
- 1,200+ station ‘friends’ groups
These groups enhance stations and railway land through activities like gardening, artwork, and safety education.
Find our nearest Community Rail network here: Map of members – Community Rail Network
Network Rail’s role
We support community rail through:
- Helping to provide access to railway land
- Organising community licences and landlord’s consent
- Supporting leases and heritage requests
- Providing safety guidance and practical support
- Working together with CRPs and train operators
Our community rail leads work across routes and regions, coordinating with teams in property, legal, and asset protection.
Contact: communityrail@networkrail.co.uk
Activities we support
- Station gardens and planters
- Murals, sculptures, and plaques
- Wildlife areas and wildflower planting
- Graffiti and litter removal
- Community use of railway buildings
- Paths, benches, and information boards
Working with us on a community rail project
We’d love to work with you! To help us support you effectively, please:
- Be clear and specific in your requests
- Provide advance notice for meetings and agendas
- Understand our financial limitations
- Prioritise safety and follow rail industry standards
- Allow time for permissions and approvals
Permissions for community rail activities
Most community rail activities are organised with train operating companies (TOCs). The type of permission required depends on the location, duration, and nature of the activity.
1. Landlord’s consent
Landlord’s consent is required for permanent changes at franchised stations like fixed benches or heritage signs. TOCs can advise and support groups through the process.
Landlord’s Consent FAQs – Network Rail
2. Community licence
This is needed for short-term or non-intrusive activities on Network Rail-managed land, such as gardening, litter picks, and murals etc.
- Free of charge
- Renewable annually
- Includes safety briefing and clearance checks
National Community Rail Application Pack (PDF)
3. Community lease
Leases are required for long-term or permanent changes such as planting trees, using disused buildings, and installing solar panels).
- May involve legal and asset protection teams
- Can incur costs
- Often needed for external funding applications
4. Redundant signal boxes
We consider requests to repurpose signal boxes under our Redundant Signal Box Strategy. NR_GN_CIV_400_06 (PDF)
Key considerations: safety, access, proposed use, and costs. Get in your local community rail lead to discuss.
Heritage and buildings
We work with groups on heritage-related projects.
Safety first
Safety is central to all community rail activities. Our leads can provide risk assessments and safety briefings. All participants must follow rail industry safety standards.
Get involved
How to get involved in community rail – Network Rail
How we support community rail – Network Rail
For enquiries about heritage buildings or signal boxes, or to explore community use, please contact your local community rail lead here: communityrail@networkrail.co.uk