SCHOOL students have adopted a West Midlands railway station and are working on a fresh new look with landscaping, artworks and colourful planters.
The students from Woodrush High School in Wythall, Worcestershire, set up their own Station Adoption Group at Wythall station as part of a project to enhance the experience for rail users and promote rail safety.
As well as planting shrubs and flowers, they are also working on two pieces of art, which will be mounted on to the inside walls of the platform shelters and will portray the history of the area.
The school team has been working with the Friends of the Shakespeare Line volunteers on the project, which is being funded by West Midlands Railway’s Your Community, Your Fund grant.
Andy Reece, head of humanities and leader of the station scheme at Woodrush High School, said the work had involved eight students and two members of staff and was a great experience for everyone.
“We wanted to get the school involved in the project to develop community and cross-generational links in the local area of Wythall whilst allowing pupils the opportunity to create improvements to the local environment.
“It will give young, local people a sense of ownership in their locality and is a great way to develop an identity for the local area and young people to take increasing pride in the locality where they attend school.”
Further plans for the School Station Adopters include installing large circular planters, continuous pruning work to overgrown hedges, developing a bug garden and hotel to attract insects and wildlife and to plant more evergreen shrubs on the banks along the walkways.
The project is part of West Midlands Railway’s Your Community, Your Fund programme, with 21 community projects receiving funding.
Fay Easton head of stakeholder and engagement for West Midlands Railway, said: “It has been inspiring to see how these young people have been so enthused and energetic in their approach to the volunteer works at the station and we hope that they are learning skills and talents that will be of value to them as they continue with their education.”
