FRIENDS of Feniton Station received a plaque for biodiversity to mark the completion of its South Western Railway’s CCIF (Customer and Communities Improvement Fund) project.

The event showcased two exciting new additions to the station: a wildlife garden designed to enhance the local environment and a set of history signs that tell the story of Feniton’s station.

Friends and partners from South Western Railway, Devon and Cornwall CRP (Community Rail Partnership), Blackmore Vale CRP, the Friends of Honiton Station and Feniton Parish Council joined the volunteers from the Friends of Feniton Station at the event.

The project also received assistance from the Devon Wildlife Trust and Network Rail, who all provided funding, sturdy sleepers for the garden beds, advice and support.

The CCIF project at Feniton Station was all about making the station a “more welcoming, attractive, and eco-friendly” space.

Two main elements took centre stage:

  • The wildlife garden, which transforms the disused platform into a haven for local wildlife, while giving travellers an attractive garden to look at whilst they wait for their train.
  • The history signs, which tell the story of Feniton and its station. These signs, which include photographs of the old station buildings, not only inform passengers about the station’s past but also explain some of the stories about Feniton which have put the village on the map.

A spokesperson for Friends of Feniton Station said: “These additions are a testament to the Friends of Feniton Station’s commitment to both the environment and its community.”.

Alongside celebratory local apple juice and homemade cake, a winner’s plaque for biodiversity from the South Western Railway’s Community Rail Awards was presented and formed a key part of the event.

The Friends of Feniton Station team are planning to continue working on the wildlife garden to bring further improvements in the future, so if you are in the area, do come and have a look.