A small team were up on site this weekend with the JCB clearing the proposed track bed for the extension. Most of the clearing work of the trees and bramble growth has been dealt at this end, however there is still some of that work to do along the embankments and walls towards the Parkend part of the extension. The important task now is to fence off the land for the safety of the public. Significant refurbishment work is also required on the existing level crossing at Park

Adam Williams reports on an evening out to the northern extension So, what did you do with your Thursday evening? Quiet night in with a book? Bit of TV? Meanwhile, ours looked like this… Our trusty D-Reg, 1987-built JCB 3CX Sitemaster ventured away from Norchard for the very first time. This wasn’t just a quick outing – it’s now supporting the tree felling and clearance work between Parkend and Travellers Rest. It will be helping prepare the land ahead of repairing retaining

The winners of our 2025 raffles have now all been contacted and are listed below:   Spring draw 1 st  prize (£250)                  Bernie Haylock 2 nd  prize (£100)                 Alex James 3 rd  prize (£50)                    Oliver Brighton  4 th  prize (£25)                    David Channon   Autumn draw 1 st  prize (£250)                  Simon Phelps 2 nd  prize (£100)                 Alex Wright 3 rd  prize (£50)                    Alan Musker      4 th  prize...

In January last year a team of volunteers spent several weeks clearing the trees and growth along this section of the old line. The aim was to clear access for contractors to repair a wall supporting the formation and bounding a neighbours property. View south towards Parkend, the wall repaired is on the right near the house. This year we are back again, finishing off clearance of the trees and growth which will one day allow us to extend the line up as far as the road at Tr

Over the course of 2025, following communication and advice from the Charity Commission, the Trustees of the Dean Forest Railway Society have reviewed their policies regarding Conflicts of Interest, particularly given the close relationships between the various Railway organisations. In December, in order to ensure that the Society decision-making process is as effective as possible, it was agreed that Officer positions should be held by Trustees not holding a Directorship or

Yesterday with some good weather the RRV team took the chance to clear some of the lineside at the Parkend end of the line. With some of the embankments being high and steep taking into consideration the risks of working at height using the RRV with a flail head is a good way of dealing with excess growth. Just a few hours work to clear an area that would take several days with conventional brush cutting tools as well as risking injury from a fall or slip down the embankments

After extensive work by our S&T team from design to delivery the new crossing gates at Whitecroft are fitted. A lot of work is still ongoing by the team to commission the gate prior to the running of trains but progress is being made. The old south gate had been removed several months previous, on the day of fitting the team removed the old North gate first before fitting the new gates. With road closure in place the two new gates were fitted and secured. Much more work is r

As part of improvement works just north of Parkend crossing, the Permanent Way team have started a 3 week project to remove the old north head shunt and ease the curve into the main point work. Earlier in the year the connection to the siding was removed in preparation for this work. Rob watches on as Adam uses our RRV to remove the old sleepers , some of which had seen better days. The tool in use on the RRV was also used to lift the rails clear. Again Rob watches on and di

We are always looking out for volunteers to help us run the railway, whether that is in an Operational capacity or supporting through our many departments. Training is arranged if required to allow you to top up your skills or to develop new ones. If you have ever considered volunteering but are unsure please contact us for a tour and support. Our volunteer page here has full information to assist you in your decision.

So even in this heat our volunteers are still hard at work. Earlier this week some clearing work was undertaken at the bottom end of...

John knocking a sleeper square to release the track Using the RRV to clear the track panels and the old sleepers The permanent Way...

Richard Hooper from S&T teases with a post on Facebook about the new crossing gates for Whitecroft. Quote from Richard " A little something to whet your appetite in anticipation...here are the new gates for Whitecroft under fabrication. (Photos courtesy of Josh at Littleton Steel). They are almost complete and will then be sent for galvanizing, before painting. Our own Derek Preece is making the decorative corner brackets." If you have access to Facebook please follow this li

Continuing the upgrade of this junction the S&T team lead a small group of volunteers to install two new signal posts. This was a two day...

Some exciting news uncovered today by our Company chairman, please check out this post in the Society Facebook group....

As part of the planned upgrade to Middle Forge Junction, Richard from the S & T team reports that on an unseasonably hot Monday and...

Sunday 27th April, from 1pm at Norchard. Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer on a heritage railway? Now’s your chance to find out!...

The Middle forge drainage project was designed, planned and lead by one of our Trustees and Directors. Phase 1 nearing completion in...

The Dean Forest Rail announced on the 27th February the purchase of a small rake of Vanwide VEA’s for preservation. Several of these vans...

On Sunday 23rd March 2025 the Pannier tank 9681 was required to power a driver experience day so Uskmouth was called in to work the...

Lineside Volunteers needed - Chris Bull Our Lineside Team was formed in 1996, when we had a problem with vegetation at Lydney Junction. A...