A new community picnic garden created by local volunteers has opened at Penrith station

A new picnic garden has officially opened at Penrith station, creating a welcoming space for customers and the community to enjoy.

Developed by Penrith Community Gardeners, a local volunteer gardening group, with support from Avanti West Coast, who manage the station, the green area on platform 2 has been revamped to feature a selection of herbs including rosemary, sage, and thyme.

The herb-themed picnic garden was made possible with funds raised through the station’s donation point, which encourages people to give unwanted seeds, seedlings and plants a new home.

Budding gardeners collecting items can make a small monetary donation to support the work of the community group. Since its launch four years ago, the initiative has raised more than £2,500 for Penrith Community Gardeners, who maintain the planters and displays at the Cumbrian station.

The revamped picnic garden, which is designed to provide a calming space with different scents for those travelling to or from Penrith by rail as well as residents, is the latest project by the group.

Created by volunteers and support from local businesses, the herb garden aims to introduce people to growing plants and produce. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Val Bowen.

Work is underway to create a red deer themed garden on platform 1 in honour of one of the Lake District's most recognisable animals and the largest species of its type in the UK.

Councillor Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith, said: “It was a real pleasure to join the Penrith Community Gardeners to officially open the revamped picnic area at Penrith railway station. The groups’ volunteers give so much of their time and energy to caring for this important space, creating a colourful and welcoming first impression for people arriving in Penrith. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved for their continued dedication and for making this area somewhere residents, visitors and passengers can enjoy.”

Mark Green, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Penrith, said: “We love welcoming Penrith Community Gardeners to the station each week and are grateful for everything they do to create spaces for people to enjoy.

“Hosting garden areas at Penrith station supports Avanti West Coast’s commitment to engage local people in the railway, helping communities connect and make a positive difference. The new picnic area is a great addition to the station, and we hope it will be enjoyed by customers and residents alike while inspiring others to grow their own produce.”  

Joan Robinson of Penrith Community Gardeners said: “With hundreds of thousands of people using Penrith station each year, we want to create a friendly, welcoming space as well as encouraging people to grow for themselves. Over the next few months, we will be busy packaging seeds we have collected to give away from our stall on the platform. We’re grateful to the Avanti West Coast station team who have been so supportive. Passengers tell us they love the way the station looks, and their feedback makes our efforts so worthwhile.”