EMR and community partners shortlisted for national Community Rail Awards 2026
- Community Rail Awards celebrate the work of staff and volunteers to support local communities
- EMR, working with local partners and communities, is shortlisted in several categories
- Winners are due to be announced at a ceremony in March
East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is operated by Transport UK, and its community rail partners, are celebrating after several collaborative projects across the network were shortlisted for the 2026 National Community Rail Awards.
The nominations recognise a range of initiatives delivered with community rail partnerships, station adopters and local organisations, showcasing the positive social, educational and environmental impact of community rail.
One shortlisted project includes the Skills Builder Accelerate programme, delivered at Forest Park Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent by the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, working with EMR, CrossCountry Trains and Community Rail Network.
The project used the rail industry as a real-world case study to help pupils develop essential life skills, build confidence and improve awareness of rail safety, benefiting hundreds of children across the school.
Another nomination celebrates a community event marking the 150th anniversary of the Newark Brake Trials, led by Friends of Burton Joyce & Lowdham Station.
The project engaged local primary school pupils in a hands-on engineering challenge at the Air and Space Institute near Newark Castle Station, inspiring young people to explore creativity, problem-solving and rail heritage through practical activities.
Ambergate station adopter Peter Lynch was shortlisted in the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution category. Peter has made an outstanding volunteer contribution through his leadership of the station's community garden.
Since 2023, the project has transformed a neglected area of railway land into a vibrant, welcoming community space. Peter has been the driving force behind the garden, inspiring fellow station adopters and local residents to work together and take pride in their station
Environmental sustainability is also recognised through a biodiversity project at Hucknall Station, delivered in partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, the Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership and local station adopters. The introduction of wildlife-friendly planters has enhanced the station’s urban environment, with further biodiversity improvements planned in 2026.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in Derby on 19 March.
Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "It has been another great year for community rail, and we are delighted to see so many of the projects that EMR and its partners have carried out shortlisted for these awards.
"The dedication and passion of our volunteers shines through in these nominations, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that some pick up awards next year – which we are proud to be supporting."
Shortlisted projects
Involving Children and Young People
- North Notts & Lincs CRP and 7th Retford Scouts – 7th Retford Scouts Good Passenger Project
- North Staffordshire CRP with East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry Trains – Skills Builder Accelerate at Forest Park Primary School
Empowering diverse groups
- North Notts & Lincs CRP, Friends of Shireoaks, ArtWorks South Yorkshire – Shireoaks Station Mural
Small Projects Award - Barton Cleethorpes CRP – Try the Train Safely
- Friends of Burton Joyce and Lowdham Station – Newark Brake Trials
Photo Competition
- Barton Lions – ‘Keeping it in the family!’
- Cromford Station Volunteers – ‘Some Might Say’
Influencing Positive Change and Sustainability
- Robin Hood Line CRP & Station Adopters, with EMR and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust – Biodiversity at Hucknall Station
Most Enhanced Railway Spaces
- Ambergate Adopters – Ambergate Station and Community Garden
Outstanding Volunteer Contribution
- Marc Wade – Whitwell Station
- Peter Lynch – Ambergate Community Garden Coordinator
It's your station
Bronze
• Blythe Bridge Station Adoption Group
• Matlock Station Adopters
• Habrough & Ulceby Station Adopters
• Friends of Mansfield
Silver
• Great Coates In Bloom
• Belper Station Adopters
• Ambergate Station Adopters
Gold
• Market Rasen Station Adoption Group