Chiltern Railways is expanding its commitment to local communities with a new series of initiatives aimed at delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits across its network. This year, the operator’s Community Investment Fund will support 11 projects, ranging from station improvements to employability workshops for young people.

Among the planned initiatives are collaborations with local colleges, charities, and community rail partnerships. Students from City of Oxford College, part of the Activate Learning group, will create a greener, more inviting environment at Oxford Parkway station through community planting. In Denham, work with Groundwork South will see tree planting and the promotion of a new rail trail linking Denham and Denham Golf Club stations to the Colne Valley Regional Park. Elsewhere, Action for Kids Charitable Trust will provide employability training for disabled and neurodiverse young people in Westminster, while partnerships with Banbury Business Improvement District and the Friends of Barnham Library will see murals and artwork brought to Sudbury Harrow Road station.

Zach Bailey, Regional Growth Manager at Chiltern Railways, said:

“We are delighted to announce our 11 new Community Investment Fund projects for the next year. We are supporting a wide range of existing and new not for profit organisations across the Chiltern network. This year’s projects reflect the importance of community collaboration - whether that’s improving the look and feel of a station, helping young people build skills and experiences, or supporting organisations on our route to promote key destinations by rail.”

Catalina Marin, Group Director at Activate Learning, highlighted the impact of the Oxford Parkway project:

"We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Chiltern Railways on this transformative project at Oxford Parkway station. This student-led transformation of the station's green space into a welcoming garden is a perfect example of how we create meaningful, real-world opportunities for young people at City of Oxford College and University Centre. Through hands-on work with plants, landscaping and environmental design, our students with learning needs will develop valuable independence, travel skills and practical gardening skills while creating a cleaner, more inviting space that benefits passengers and the wider community. Working alongside Blenheim Palace and Chiltern Railways, we're excited to see our students grow in confidence as they help transform Oxford Parkway into an oasis of calm that enhances everyone's travel experience.”

Bergey Sigurdardottir, Landscape Recovery Manager at Groundworks Trust, spoke about the Denham initiative:

"Denham sits at the heart of the Colne Valley Regional Park and is the first taste of countryside west of London. We are excited to work with Chiltern Railways to highlight and encourage both city dwellers and local residents to come and explore their local countryside, and to enjoy the benefits it brings to physical and mental health. At the same time we aim to enhance biodiversity and the character of the area, through wildlife meadow and pollinator friendly planters, all of which the local community will be able to enjoy."

The Community Investment Fund aims to improve station environments for passengers, encourage sustainable and accessible travel, and strengthen relationships between Chiltern Railways and the communities it serves.

Image: Chiltern Railways