Collaboration in Bloom: EMR funds Hucknall station biodiversity project

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a project to improve biodiversity at Hucknall station, turning a previously uninviting urban space into a thriving and welcoming green gateway. 

The project at Hucknall in Nottinghamshire has been developed in collaboration with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), EMR Community Rail, and the Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership and is part of EMR’s Getting There Greener Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Recovery Plan.

The plan aims to make the railway a key support in creating thriving natural environments - delivering biodiversity net gain by 2035.

With funding of £12,000 secured through EMR, the project includes the introduction of bespoke planters designed to support pollinators and native wildflowers.

A comprehensive ecological assessment was carried out at the station earlier this year. The findings will inform a new plan that includes three 'promenade planters' to host mini-meadows, along with two larger planters incorporated into a new wellbeing bench area. This initiative aims to provide much-needed space for relaxation while also delivering significant habitat value.

The planting scheme draws on species typical of local Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including wood anemone, wild garlic, yellow archangel, giant bellflower, yellow rattle, great burnet, cowslip, pignut, betony and lady’s mantle.

All selected species are native and wildlife-friendly, contributing to a more joined-up landscape for nature across the wider region.

Volunteers, school groups and local organisations will help deliver elements of the work – including bug hotel construction and planter painting – while ongoing activities will support wellbeing.

Hucknall station is the first site in a wider project which will see similar wildlife improvements take place at other stations. 

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "Hucknall is a great example of how we can bring biodiversity and community together through targeted investment and thoughtful design.

"By working with expert partners and the local community, we’re making our stations part of the solution to the nature crisis – while also creating spaces people enjoy spending time in.

"We would to thank both Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership for their help on this project - we can't wait to see how the wildlife on the site thrives." 

Amy Dennett, Nature Recovery Advisor, at Wild Solutions, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: 'Creating space for wildlife within urban areas is especially important in helping people feel connected to nature, whilst also improving biodiversity.

"We are proud to be working in partnership with East Midlands Railway and support them in being innovative and evidence led in delivering more for nature and people. We hope our project at Hucknall Station inspires and influences others to act for nature ensuring wildlife always has a space to thrive.'

Justyna Majer, Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partner, said: "We are proud to to be involved in this inspiring biodiversity initiative blooming at Hucknall Station, supported by funding from EMR.

"This collaborative effort brings together the passionate expertise of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, dedicated station adopters, and the generous support of EMR to enrich the local environment and create a welcoming green space for both wildlife and community members.”

For more information on EMR’s sustainability initiatives, visit: Getting There Greener