Making a Difference

The New Forest Community Rail Partnership connects people, places and opportunities through the railway and wider public transport network.

We believe that railways have the power to do far more than connect places – they connect people, strengthen communities and create opportunities.

Working with our rail, bus and ferry operators, local authorities, schools, businesses, charities, volunteer groups and community organisations, we use the railway as a catalyst to support thriving communities, encourage sustainable travel and celebrate everything that makes the New Forest unique.

Every project we deliver is designed to create lasting social, economic and environmental benefits, leaving a positive legacy for the people and places we serve.

Creating Positive Change

Community Rail is about bringing people together.

Whether encouraging people to travel sustainably, helping young people build confidence, supporting volunteers, improving station environments or celebrating local heritage and culture, our work creates opportunities that extend well beyond the railway itself.

Through our projects we help to:

• Strengthen communities and reduce social isolation.
• Encourage sustainable and integrated travel.
• Support education, skills and lifelong learning.
• Improve confidence, health and wellbeing.
• Celebrate local heritage, culture and the unique landscapes of the New Forest.
• Support local businesses, visitor destinations and local communities.
• Create welcoming stations that communities are proud of.
• Inspire volunteering and active community participation.

The Value of Community Rail

Community Rail creates lasting social, economic and environmental value by connecting people with opportunities, supporting local economies and encouraging sustainable travel.

Across the New Forest, our work helps people access education, employment, volunteering, healthcare, leisure and community activities while supporting businesses, visitor destinations and the wider visitor economy.

By working collaboratively with our partners and local communities, we help ensure that the railway remains a valuable community asset—connecting people not only with places, but with opportunities, experiences and each other.

Together, we are helping to create a more connected, confident and sustainable New Forest for residents, visitors and future generations.

The latest Community Rail Network and Department for Transport social value evidence will be included here.

Our Partnerships

Community Rail succeeds because of collaboration.

We are proud to work alongside CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Network Rail, Wightlink, Go South Coast, Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, the New Forest National Park Authority, town and parish councils, schools, businesses, charities, volunteer groups and many other organisations that share our ambition to create stronger, more connected communities.

Together, we are helping people discover more of the New Forest through sustainable, accessible and integrated transport while delivering lasting benefits for local communities.

Our Projects in Action

The impact and value of Community Rail is best demonstrated through the projects we deliver.

Working with our partners and local communities, we deliver a diverse programme of initiatives that encourage sustainable travel, support education and wellbeing, celebrate local heritage, improve station environments and help people discover everything the New Forest has to offer.

Our projects range from rail safety education and creative arts programmes to community events, station adoption, volunteer initiatives and activities that promote integrated and sustainable travel.

Visit our Projects page to explore our latest initiatives and discover Community Rail in action.