New Network Rail agreement strengthens ties, co-operation & benefits

Photo: Andrew P.M. Wright

An historic signing ceremony has taken place in a restored 1930s Maunsell heritage carriage at Corfe Castle station to mark a new era of important collaboration between Network Rail’s Wessex route and the Swanage Railway.

The landmark agreement will strengthen ties between the two organisations, enabling closer co-operation and mutual benefit.

After the signing by Swanage Railway Trustee Frank Roberts and Network Rail Wessex route director Mark Goodall, the first joint meeting between the two organisations - under the new agreement - was held next to the Victorian station in Corfe Castle.

Under the new arrangement, the Swanage Railway will receive donations of redundant railway assets from Network Rail’s Wessex Route, including materials such as rail and sleepers that are no longer required on the main line network.

These materials, which would otherwise be recycled elsewhere, will instead be re-used on the rebuilt Isle of Purbeck heritage line - giving them a new lease of life.

With heritage railways such as the Swanage Railway operating passenger services at slower speeds, these materials can be safely and sustainably re-purposed while helping to ensure the continued operation and preservation of the nine-mile line for future generations.

The new collaborative agreement also provides opportunities for hands-on training and skills development with Network Rail using the Swanage Railway’s facilities to deliver practical coaching for employees and apprentices - focusing on maintenance, inspection and fault-finding across a range of railway assets.

In return, the Swanage Railway will benefit from Network Rail’s in-kind expertise and volunteer support as staff are encouraged to use their volunteering leave to assist with maintenance and operations on the heritage railway.

The new agreement also commits both organisations to regular meetings to deepen their partnership, align activities and explore new opportunities for collaboration - including the potential for trialling new railway technologies on the Swanage Railway.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “Wherever we can, we will work with heritage railways across our network to forge a new partnership so that materials that would otherwise be recycled elsewhere to be re-used can find a new purpose.

“In turn, the Swanage Railway also has some excellent facilities which, because they are separate from the main line network, provide the perfect opportunity for our colleagues to contribute to the local community.

“Working together through this ‘Route Agreement’ provides a clear framework and we are excited about the possibilities it brings, not only to Network Rail and the Swanage Railway but wider society – and what better time to do it than in 2025 which is the bi-centenary of the nation’s railways,” added Mark.

Swanage Railway Trust trustee Frank Roberts explained: "It has been a real pleasure to work with our Network Rail colleagues over the past months and I am very grateful for the guidance received from them.

"A decade ago, I led the project to reconnect the track from Swanage with the south west main line at Wareham which was successfully achieved and the signing of this framework agreement with Network Rail will help us strengthen our working arrangements.

"It is almost 50 years since volunteers started the restoration of the Swanage branch line. We have recently delivered an internal Governance Review which will streamline the Swanage Railway organisation just as Network Rail moves forward towards the formation of the new Great British Railways.

"The signing of this framework agreement is indeed a milestone in history and will provide both organisations with a good foundation on which to build for the future," added Frank who has been a dedicated Swanage Railway volunteer for more than 40 years.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering on the Swanage Railway should contact volunteer recruitment and retention officer Lisa Gravett on 01929 475212 or email iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk. Details about volunteering can also be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering.

Story and photograph by Andrew P.M. Wright,

Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer.