Penarth Civic Society
Cymdeithas Ddinesig Penarth
formerly The Penarth Society
Railway Path
Project
Penarth's longest 'park' (& ride)...
The Railway Path (a.k.a. Railway Walk) is a stretch of former railway line that runs from Penarth Station down to Cosmeston Drive. The line that used to run all the way past Sully and into Barry was closed in the 1960s as part of the Beeching axe. After this, houses were developed alongside it, but the main route remains as a major walking & cycling link between upper and lower Penarth.
About The Group
The groups meets a few times a year to tackle the various upkeep tasks associated with the path.
Meetings are both enjoyable and satisfying. Volunteers bring flasks of tea and snacks whilst the council provides gloves and litter pickers plus any equipment required for the task at hand.
What the Group Does
The Group helps to keep the active stretch of the path tidy and maintained. They regularly perform tasks such as tree care (weeding, mulching and inspection), litter picking, bulb planting and general care & maintainence.
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They work in conjunction with the Penarth Tree Forum and The Vale of Glamorgan Council*
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The group also works with Keep Wales Tidy, a variety of local businesses, The Woodland Trust, Pedal Power, and Sustrans, all of whom have donated time, sent volunteers or supplied manpower and equipment.
The group is particularly grateful to the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Parks & Gardens department, who have been entirely on board and supportive from the moment the idea for the group was first mentioned.
Why their work is important
The group aims to encourage the keeping of the environment clean and litter free.
Also to encourage people to see the wildlife corridor as a valuable asset to be treasured and protected.
Finally, the group aims to replant native hedgerow in cleared areas and has been planting bulbs in Sully Terrace for the enjoyment of path users and residents alike.
Notable Projects
Their first event was a big clear up which saw the removal of seven council trucks worth of tipped rubbish from along the path. The event was a huge success with more than thirty volunteers turning up to help on the day.
There followed two further clear ups and two spring bulb planting sessions.
Three native tree sapling plantings have also taken place.
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Local individuals and members of the Penarth Scouts and Ysgol Y Deri School have provided bird & bat boxes which you can find situated along the path.
Formation of The Group
The Group first formed in November 2016. It formed on the back of the hard path surface that was a major part of the route becoming a cycle network route.
Active Details
Meeting Times & Locations: Railway Walk, Penarth
The groups meets a few times a year. Meetings scheduled via Whatsapp.
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Current Chair: Sarah Salter
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​Contact Us about the Railway Path Project
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Related Weblinks*
Feb 2022 Wales online Article about the proposal to extend the active travel route along the abandoned stretch of line to Sully
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Online & Social Media
You can find more details about the group and their activities at the following sites:
Own Website:
Facebook Page: N/A
Facebook Group: Here
Instagram: N/A
Twittter: N/A
Whatsapp: Via membership only
Other: N/A