Network Rail and The Watercress Line Formalise Partnership as Railway 200 Celebrations Raise £8,000 for Charity

Network Rail, South Western Railway (SWR) and the Mid-Hants Railway – better known as The Watercress Line – have strengthened their relationship with the signing of a new collaborative agreement during celebrations marking 200 years of the modern railway.

The agreement was formalised at a special event at Ropley station on Friday 20 February, coinciding with a visit from the Railway 200 Inspiration Train, which is touring the UK to commemorate the bicentenary of passenger rail travel.

Strengthening Mainline and Heritage Links

Under the new agreement, Network Rail and The Watercress Line will work more closely across a range of areas, including training, asset reuse and volunteer support.

Network Rail will use the heritage railway’s facilities to provide practical, hands-on training for employees and apprentices. The focus will be on maintenance, inspection and fault-finding across railway assets, offering valuable real-world experience in a controlled environment.

In return, The Watercress Line will benefit from technical expertise and volunteer support from Network Rail staff, who are encouraged to use their volunteering leave to assist with maintenance and operational activities on the heritage line.

The agreement also covers the transfer of redundant railway materials from Network Rail’s Wessex Route. Assets no longer required on the mainline – but still suitable for use on a slower-speed heritage railway – will be repurposed rather than recycled, supporting sustainability and cost-effective maintenance.

Both organisations have committed to regular meetings to deepen cooperation, align activities and identify further opportunities for joint working.

Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and SWR, Operations Director Tom Desmond said:

“We aim to collaborate with heritage railways across our network to establish partnerships, enabling the sharing of both capabilities between our organisations and for materials otherwise destined for recycling to be repurposed effectively.

“The ‘Route Agreement’ establishes a transparent framework for cooperation, presenting promising prospects not only for Network Rail and The Watercress Line but also for broader society. It is the perfect time to sign this agreement with the Railway 200 exhibition train, Inspiration, at Ropley, commemorating the bicentenary of railway passenger travel.”

£8,000 Raised Through Limited-Edition Plush Toy Sales

The event also celebrated a fundraising milestone, with £8,000 raised through sales of limited-edition plush toys of Wes and Sandy, SWR’s avian ambassadors.

The toys, sold via The Watercress Line’s website from 2 February, generated funds that were split equally between Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust. Cheques for £4,000 were presented to each charity during the event.

Visitors were able to meet Wes and Sandy in person as they welcomed guests to the Inspiration Train.

Desmond added:

“We’re very proud to support the communities we serve, and this charity sale has given our customers and partners across the network a fun way to support two very deserving causes. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown in such a short time and delighted our fluffy bird mascots could help raise money for Scotty’s and The Watercress Line.”

In addition to the fundraising, SWR donated surplus railway materials, including fish plates and stretcher bars, to support track maintenance and restoration on the heritage line.

Rebecca Dalley of The Watercress Line said:

“The opportunity to sign this agreement with Network Rail allows us all to find ways to help each other with a transparent framework for co-operation. The immediate repurposing of track materials will help our dedicated volunteers to keep our track in tip top condition, supporting our education mission and social value of Hampshire’s heritage railway as well as offering an effective recycling route for redundant assets.

“There couldn’t be a better time to celebrate all these initiatives as the Inspiration train graces our Ropley station. Behind the scenes, the Network Rail team has been working hard to make sure we could have this opportunity and we can’t thank them and the South Western Railway team enough for the varied upfront commitments to our partnership.”

Supporting Military Families

Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, also welcomed the donation.

Sarah Bunn, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Scotty’s, said:

“SWR have supported Scotty’s since 2024, helping to raise awareness and funds to support our work with children and young people, aged 0 to 25, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.

“The donation will help ensure bereaved military children and their families are supported, empowered, and never alone, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all the people who contributed by buying Wes and Sandy plushie and to SWR for their continued support.”

The partnership announcement and fundraising effort form part of wider Railway 200 celebrations, highlighting both the heritage and the evolving future of Britain’s railway network.