Volunteer army returns to clean up Weardale Railway – backed by local housebuilder

Participants of Weardale Railway’s ‘Big Spring Clean’ at Stanhope Station.

A volunteer “army” is set to spring back into action along the Weardale Railway this spring, following the success of last year’s community litter pick, which saw more than 200 bags of waste collected along the scenic 18-mile line.

This year’s clean-up on Sunday 12 April, running from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, is supported by Bellway Durham, reinforcing its commitment to the community while it builds a major new housing development in Wolsingham.

Last year, over 50 volunteers removed furniture, shopping trolleys, scrap metal, and electrical goods from the railway corridor, protecting wildlife and the River Wear.

Those who participated—and are expected to join again this year—include members of the local community, Lanchester Boys’ Brigade, Weardale Railway staff, Frosterley Angling Club, Wear Rivers Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust.

The event will also be supported by Durham County Council’s Civic Pride Team, which will provide equipment and encourage ongoing community care, and also ARCO who will provide PPE. It is one of many litter picks taking place across the county as part of the Big Spring Clean, an annual campaign that runs until Monday 4 May.

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “Last year’s Big Spring Clean was an incredible demonstration of local pride. More than 200 bags of litter were collected in a single day, and people of all ages came together to protect this beautiful stretch of County Durham.

“We’re delighted to host this event again with Bellway Durham’s support, encouraging people to protect their environment so the railway remains a place for all to enjoy.”

Bellway Durham is currently delivering a major regeneration project at the former Weardale Steelworks site in Wolsingham, where it is creating The Old Foundry – a new neighbourhood of 120 homes, including affordable housing for local people.

The 13.7-acre site on Durham Road will have 108 private homes and 12 affordable homes. Energy-efficient homes will feature solar panels and EV charging points to help residents lower their energy bills and carbon footprint.

As part of the development’s planning agreement, Bellway is also investing £234,000 into local infrastructure, including funding for play and recreation spaces and highway improvements in the area.

Christie Edge, Head of Sales at Bellway Durham, said: “We’re proud to support the Weardale Railway clean-up as part of building strong, connected communities.

“As we transform the former steelworks into The Old Foundry, we support the wider community through investment and by backing initiatives that unite people and protect the environment.”

Cllr Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, said: “The Big Spring Clean is all about our wonderful communities coming together to help keep our county looking its best. Whether that be arranging litter picks or helping to raise awareness of how important it is to dispose of rubbish properly, it makes such a big difference.

"It’s great to see that the team from Weardale Railway are getting involved again, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone taking part. I hope this inspires other people and groups to do the same.

Please get involved if you can by hosting your own litter pick, as part of the Big Spring Clean and throughout the rest of the year. Let’s get out there and get County Durham looking it’s best once again.”

Weardale Railway was saved from administration in 2020 by The Auckland Project, which has invested in restoring the line and introducing new experiences, including heritage services and events.

The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project’s work to transform Bishop Auckland into a visitor destination, alongside attractions such as Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, Mining Art Gallery, and Faith Museum.

For more information about The Auckland Project, visit: aucklandproject.org/bishops-key

For Weardale Railway: https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/ and to find out how to take part in the Big

Spring Clean, including how to request litter picking equipment, visit: www.durham.gov.uk/bigspringclean.

For more information about Bellway Durham’s The Old Foundry, visit bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/the-old-foundry or call 01388 300346.