Having successfully re-opened the line to Parkend, we are currently in a phase of re-investing and upgrading infrastructure on our existing line (including re-refurbishment of the listed Midland Railway footbridge at St. Mary's Halt). There is much to do and the rate of progress is determined by the availability of volunteers to do the work and money to cover the high cost of materials.   The need for fund raising is always with us, whether this is by increasing passenger visits, sales in the gift shop, raffle tickets or purchase of new shares in the Dean Forest Railway. Any assistance you feel able to give would be very much appreciated. Why not join us to help?   Our long term objective is to extend the railway another two and a half miles into the middle of the Royal Forest at Speech House Road (Near to the Beechenhurst Visitor Attraction). Meantime, we hope to re-open Whitecroft Station by the end of 2011. Details are set out opposite: The Tufts Bridge has been a long expensive exercise to replace, but is now finally complete.

Whitecroft Station Gets Go-Ahead The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) has confirmed that work will start in the Spring on the re-instatement of Whitecroft Station including replica station buildings. DFR spokesman, Stuart Bearne, welcomed the funding assistance received from Forest of Dean Local Action, part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDFE). The programme of work involves a four-coach platform on the line towards Lydney with a station building, built in traditional Severn and Wye style, comprising waiting room, booking office and toilets. Future developments will involve a platform on the line towards Parkend, goods shed, and doubling of the track through the station. Whitecroft is the only station on the Severn and Wye network between Lydney Junction and Parkend that has not been reopened by the DFR and with this re-instatement the system will be as it was when regular passenger services ceased north of Lydney Town in 1929. The funding package, which supplements DFR’s own investment in the project, is being supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: “ Europe investing in Rural Areas”, delivered though the South West of England Regional Development Agency with DEFRA as the Managing Authority. The Forest of Dean Local Action Group are pleased to be able to grant funding to the project because of the contribution it will make to retaining the District's heritage and culture, and the community and visitor enjoyment it will provide for many years to come. Opening of the station is anticipated for the Autumn of 2011. The re-opened station at Parkend, which is a great attraction with passengers