This week we are launching a Facebook campaign to take our online marketing of the branch lines to the next level. We have developed a packed calendar of more than 50 posts to run over the next four months on our Great Scenic Railways Facebook page, including videos, quizzes, top tips, handy articles and great photography. Read more

A new information centre for travellers on the railway will open at Liskeard station on Monday 1st August 2016. The Looe Valley Line Information Centre will operate from rooms on platform 3 at Liskeard, the Looe Valley Line platform, and will feature a range of information about the local area, exhibition on the history of the line, railway books and souvenirs. Read more

We are always seeking new marketing avenues to promote Devon and Cornwall’s branch lines, and our first ever video advert has proved a big success – having been viewed by more than 10,000 Devon and Cornwall residents. The video – aimed at young families and focused on the sense of adventure that comes with a trip on the train – was extremely cost efficient. Read more

Devon and Cornwall’s scenic branch lines are to feature in a new national website (shown above) promoting the country’s community rail lines and heritage railways to tourists both at home and abroad, thanks to a £75,000 Government grant. The project – led by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) and supported by the Plymouth University based Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership – has been awarded funding from the Department for Transport’s Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation Competition. Read more

We have created a new webpage to showcase the many scenic walks from Devon and Cornwall’s branch line stations. Over the years, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and partner organisations have amassed a wealth of leaflets and online walking guides to help people get out and about on the branch lines and enjoy the best of the two counties’ scenery on foot. Read more

We’re pleased to join our fellow Community Rail Partnerships along with regional and national partners at the annual GWR Community Rail Conference this week. Hosted in Yeovil by Great Western Railway and the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership, the one-day conference provides the chance to learn from and network with organisations ranging from Rail User Groups to the Department for Transport and Network Rail. Read more

Mark Hopwood, MD of Great Western Railway (GWR), will be giving a lecture at Plymouth University next month. In the wake of weather-related service disruptions and questions over its long-term resilience, now is a critical time for the railway in the far South West. Read more

Three of the Partnership’s projects have been recognised at a national level at the 2015 Community Rail Awards, held at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre. In front of an audience of more than 330 rail industry staff and volunteers, the Partnership’s Great Scenic Railways won first prize in the Marketing category. Read more