Northern Extension 2025
The Dean Forest Railway Society fully supports ambitions to extend the DFR north of Parkend, with the first target of Speech House Road / Beechenhurst. The Development team within the DFR are continuing to work on a solution to the issue of Travellers Rest; in order to construct a 'new' level crossing, the Office of Road and Rail (ORR) must be satisfied that all alternatives have been considered. Previous feedback has demonstrated that further evidence is required, although we hope to bring further news when we make progress.
Extending to Beechenhurst would bring the Dean Forest Railway to a length of around 7 miles, from the current 4¼ miles. Although the original station site at Speech House Road is now unsuitable, an alternative site has been proposed near Beechenhurst Lodge and Pedalabikeaway, two popular local tourist attractions. There remains the possibility of a further extension to Cinderford, another 3 miles away, which would bring the Railway to a total of just over 10 miles in length.
In October 2018, Network Rail very generously donated around 3 miles of track from disused branch lines on the Wye Valley and Glascoed lines. This quantity of material would be sufficient for the DFR to extend to the bottom of Serridge Bank, a 2200 yard gradient of 1 in 40.
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First few weeks of clearing looking north
First few weeks of clearing looking south
Between December 2024 and March 2025 a small group of volunteers lead by Our Development director entered the formation south of the proposed site of the Travellers rest crossing. The aim was to clear access for contractors to repair a retaining wall supporting the embankment. This wall partially borders our neighbours property and the structure had collapsed in one area.
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Over that period the area was cleared of the vegetation and tree growth to ensure there was plenty of space for the work but would also allow for further work to be done to clear the embankments for fencing and drainage in the future.
Near the finish of clearing looking north, the white van is by the proposed Travellers rest crossing
Near the finish of clearing looking south from the embankment.
Near the finish of clearing looking south the damaged wall is on the right near the car in distance.
The current end of the operational line heading north, help us push further. Some of the working party clearing growth.
The damaged wall prior to contractors starting work, we need to be able to maintain our boundaries.
Towards the end of the clearing work an open invitation working party was organised to clear the existing track work from the Parkend end of the formation. The sleepers within this short section of track will need replacing before any further extension work is undertaken.
A replacement point at the north end of the run-round loop will be needed, installed further north than the current layout, with a single line heading northwards.
A glimpse of the future? No. 41312 rolls into Parkend from the Speech House Road direction
In January 2026 the small team once again visited the site to continue clearing the formation and the embankments, the aim being to build on the previous work of clearing this area and fence it off as a matter of public safety and allowing for a practical way of maintaining the land and boundaries.
There is a requirement to replace the ageing Parkend north road crossing and gates, during which the installation of ducting will then allow for the completion of the signalling equipment for the north end of the layout. It is also recognised that there would be a benefit in extending the rail beyond its current position to near the Travellers Rest allowing for ease of maintenance and to prepare for eventual crossing of the road.
In January 2026 looking north towards Travellers rest, continued clearance of the formation and boundaries.
From the same location as on the left but looking south towards Parkend and the current end of the line.
We are actively looking to fund the extension north to the proposed Travellers Rest crossing at this stage. This will be one step forward which will allow for engineering work and easier maintenance of the formation and fencing.
The actual end of the line heading north, this part needs sleeper replacement and then hopefully onwards to the road at Travellers Rest.
How to Help
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We will shortly be announcing a fundraising campaign in the meantime, if you would like to contribute to our clearance programme, you can help by donating - there are many ways to do this:
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​- Donate directly via PayPal:
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- Send cheques (Payable to "Dean Forest Railway Society") or cash to:
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DFRS Development Fund
Dean Forest Railway,
Forest Road,
Lydney
GL15 4ET
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