Stepping into Railworld Wildlife Haven is like stepping into a different dimension, it is so majestic, peaceful and calming.
From where I live it is just a five-minute walk to Railworld Wildlife Haven and I couldn’t wait as for me it would be like walking down memory lane from when I used to visit with my Dad when I was younger.
At the entrance I met Will, who said he has been volunteering since 2012, as well as Bill and Becky. They were all very enthusiastic about Railworld Wildlife Haven and told me a bit about the Haven. For me the best bit about my experience was sitting down on the perfectly placed benches, taking in the view and the serenity that is just a five-minute walk from the city centre.
The Haven is aimed more towards families with young children however what I think might entice more people my age to come and visit are the wonderfully maintained parts from old trains that are scattered around the Haven. For anyone interested in engineering or trains, in general, they are certainly worth your time to have a look at.
Brian Pearce MBE, volunteer and trustee at Railworld, and the many other volunteers who help make Railword Wildlife Haven what it is today, are still very passionate about maintaining and improving Railworld.
“We started on a derelict power station coal yard purchased by our founding volunteer Rev Richard Paten.”
“We are still a group of passionate environmental volunteers, well past retirement age, that want to highlight that we can all do our bit for our amazing World we all share.”
Brian also wants to show what can be achieved when everyone works together.
“We want to be an entertaining educational resource, to show what can be achieved by volunteers, companies, groups and individuals working together.
“We all want a better world (and) if we all work together, we can do that.”
Railworld Wildlife Haven is an ideal place to take your family and have a fun day outas there are many picnic benches in glorious scenic locations where you can have lunch and enjoy the view. It also has wonderful footpaths that you’ll never get bored of walking down. There is also an opportunity at the Globe Hall to educate your children and even yourself about space, it even includes a live world population counter.
From June 2018 till June 2019 they achieved over 13,800 volunteer hours and even won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.
Railworld is home to over 200 species of Flora and Fauna and 2,000 square foot of model railways that have been helped put together by donations and volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for Railworld Wildlife Haven visit www.railworld.org.uk/volunteers.
Railworld Wildlife Haven is open from Easter till the end of October and they volunteer all year round.
For entry into Railworld Wildlife Haven it costs £4 for adults, £2 for Children (Aged 1-16) and £3 for concession, more information is on the leaflet that you receive at the entrance.
By Aidan Watts
Level 3 Creative digital media production (Journalism)
Peterborough Regional College
