18 May 2007

ALL ABOARD FOR NATURE!

The RSPB welcomes the new train timetables from operator 'one' Railways. From Sunday 20 May, trains will call at two small stations next to RSPB nature reserves in a green initiative to encourage greater use of trains to explore the countryside.

The two stations are Lakenheath on the Norwich - Cambridge line and Buckenham on the Norwich - Yarmouth and Lowestoft, Wherry Lines.

RSPB Lakenheath Fen nature reserve is next door to Lakenheath station. The reserve is an inspiring wetland recreation project, where a new visitor centre opened this week. Wildlife has returned in droves to what was carrot fields eleven years ago. Hobbies patrol the skies, reed warblers sing, bitterns boom and even cranes are breeding!

Three trains a day in each direction call at Lakenheath station on Sundays, timed to allow a morning, afternoon or whole day visit (and there's also a train a day on Saturdays, allowing a day visit from the Norwich direction). A new path onto the reserve means you don't have to walk on the road from the station either.

RSPB Buckenham Marshes nature reserve is right by Buckenham station and boasts important numbers of breeding waders. Buckenham is also the closest station to RSPB Strumpshaw Fen - just a mile away along a lane that rarely sees a car. Strumpshaw is true Broadland and supports an outstanding variety of wildlife - you might even see a swallowtail butterfly!

Four trains a day in each direction call at Buckenham on Sundays (and one on Saturdays too). The trains also serve Berney Arms, next to RSPB Berney Marshes reserve - so a day out exploring the Yare Valley is easy.

The RSPB's Transport Partnership Officer, Chris Wood, said: "It is fantastic that 'one' has taken this initiative. We have been working with 'one' and the Community Rail Partnerships for some time on getting this to work and we are impressed by the train operator's belief in the project. "

He continued: "The train is a great way to get out to some wonderful parts of the countryside - literally right outside these small stations. Why not leave the car at home and take the train? Who knows, you might even see a crane!"

For more information about these nature reserves, log on to: www.rspb.org.uk