Chiltern Railways awards £150,000 to community projects across its network
Chiltern Railways has announced 11 new projects the operator will support through its £150,000 community grant, with each to be delivered before April 2027.
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) projects are focused on biodiversity, wellbeing, placemaking and skills development, strengthening connections between local communities and the railway, improving station environments and creating opportunities for people to develop new skills.
The successful projects span Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and London.
Among the projects receiving funding are new wayfinding and placemaking initiatives, station greening and biodiversity enhancements, community storytelling projects and public art programmes.
The funding will also support projects focused on young people and wellbeing, including mentoring and life-skills workshops, a new nature trail and outdoor learning space, and environmental improvements designed to create healthier and more welcoming spaces for local communities.
Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said:
“This year’s Community Investment Fund is supporting a diverse range of projects that will strengthen connections between the railway and the communities we serve, helping people make the most of the places and opportunities our network links together.
"From community art and biodiversity initiatives to youth development programmes, each project has been designed and led by local organisations with a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of their communities. We are proud to support their work and look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact these initiatives will deliver across our network.”
The Community Investment Fund forms part of Chiltern Railways' commitment to delivering social value across the communities it serves, helping local organisations bring forward projects that make a meaningful difference while strengthening links with the railway.
All funded projects are expected to be completed by the end of March 2027.
Contact Information
Notes to editors
Full list of successful projects
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Aylesbury Community Art Project |
Working with local young people and artists to create public artwork at Aylesbury that improves the station environment, supports wellbeing and strengthens community pride. |
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Denham Cycle Route Link - Station Underpass Improvement |
Delivering a collaborative mural project that improves the appearance, safety and accessibility of the station underpass while strengthening links to the wider Denham walking and cycling network. |
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Lines of Belonging - Kings Sutton |
Creating station galleries at Kings Sutton that capture local memories and connections to the railway, enhancing station environments and fostering pride in place. |
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Marylebone Journeys |
Combining community rail experiences, art therapy, local business promotion and station greening at London Marylebone to create meaningful opportunities for social inclusion. |
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Nature Screen for Wellbeing |
Installing an ivy screen around a primary school playground near Wembley Stadium to improve privacy and biodiversity. |
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Platforms to Progress |
Delivering mentoring and life-skills workshops for young people in Brent, helping participants build confidence and explore future career opportunities, including within the rail industry. |
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Rewilding and Nature Trail |
Creating a community rewilding area and educational nature trail at The Sherriff Centre, West Hampstead featuring wildlife habitats as well as interactive learning opportunities that promote biodiversity and wellbeing. |
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Risborough Community Events |
Establishing new community events in Princes Risborough and reviving youth sporting opportunities while promoting the nearby Phoenix Trail, encouraging participation and healthy lifestyles. |
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Tracks to Town |
Using public art, wayfinding and placemaking to create an attractive and memorable route between Warwick station and the town centre, supporting sustainable travel and local businesses. |
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Welcome to Wycombe |
Expanding station gardens, wildlife habitats and public art at High Wycombe and Saunderton to enhance the arrival experience, support biodiversity and celebrate local heritage, while engaging volunteers and community groups in both stations. |
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Winslow Wayfinding |
A coordinated wayfinding and placemaking programme linking the new Winslow station with the town centre through welcome signage, heritage trails, digital content and attractive planting, encouraging visitors to explore local businesses, attractions and green spaces. |
- Chiltern Railways is part of the Arriva group, one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing around 35,670 people and delivering around 1.5 billion passenger journeys across 11 European countries.
- Chiltern operates commuter/regional rail passenger services from its Central London terminus at London Marylebone along the M40 corridor to destinations in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, as well as long-distance services to the West Midlands along two routes. Services on the Chiltern Main Line run from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford, with some peak-hour services to Stourbridge Junction.
- Chiltern also runs trains on the London to Aylesbury Line to Aylesbury (with some trains terminating at Aylesbury Vale Parkway instead), between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury and between Oxford and Bicester.