Location: Newton Station, South Lanarkshire
Theme: Biodiversity, Community Engagement, Sustainable Travel
Partners: Rail 74 Community Rail Partnership, ScotRail, Clyde Gateway, Local Volunteers, Rutherglen High School
Introduction
Newton Station is more than just a transit hub – it’s becoming a green gateway for the local community. Through the Nature at Newton initiative, Rail 74 Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has brought local people together to transform the station into a pocket of biodiversity and beauty, connecting nature with everyday rail travel.
The Challenge
Newton Station, located in a busy commuter corridor, was functional but lacked a sense of place. Local residents and station users often described it as “grey” and “uninspiring.” Despite being near parks and green routes, the station itself offered little connection to nature or opportunities for environmental learning.
Rail 74 CRP saw the opportunity to make a change – turning an underused space into a greener, more welcoming station that reflects the values of sustainability and community wellbeing.
What We Did
Working closely with Friends of Newton Station & ScotRail’s Adopt a Station programme, we developed a plan to introduce nature to the platforms and surrounding areas. Our aims were to:
- Improve the visual appearance of Newton Station
- Increase biodiversity with pollinator-friendly plants
- Engage young people and local residents in environmental action
- Encourage sustainable travel through a more pleasant station environment
Key actions included:
- Installing planters and pollinator beds with seasonal flowers and native species
- Creating a mini habitat zone with bug hotels and educational signage
- Hosting planting sessions with volunteers and young people
- Launching a Nature at Newton day to involve local families in nature crafts and train-themed environmental activities
Impact
The transformation has made a visible and social difference.
🌱 Greener platforms now welcome commuters daily
🐝 Pollinator plants have brought bees and butterflies into the station area
🤝 Over 100 volunteers and students have taken part in planting and learning sessions
📸 Social media engagement has increased, with passengers sharing their appreciation
Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. One local passenger told us:
“I’ve used this station for years and it’s never looked this good. The flowers and planters lift my mood every morning.”
What’s Next?
This project is just the beginning. We are now exploring:
- Seasonal planting schedules with local groups
- A “Station Nature Trail” linking Newton with nearby green spaces
- More community growing sessions and art inspired by nature
Nature at Newton reflects Rail 74 CRP’s commitment to making our stations greener, more connected, and more community-led. We believe small actions can lead to lasting change – and Newton Station is proof of that.
Get Involved
Would you like to volunteer, donate plants, or sponsor a planter?
Contact us at rail74crp.org/contact and help us grow nature across our network.