Supporting Railworld Wildlife Haven

As part of GL events UK’s ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the team at our Peterborough office has recently taken on a unique and meaningful community project, partnering with one of the city’s most valued attractions: the Railworld Wildlife Haven.

When the Peterborough team set out to find a local organisation to support, Railworld immediately stood out. The Peterborough office has deep roots in the local area, dating all the way back to 1820 when the company, then known as  Snowdens, began life manufacturing rope, tarpaulins, and marquees from its original premises on River Lane, a small subsidiary road off the main rail line. The Railworld site backs onto this area, adding a special significance to the collaboration.

The Railworld Wildlife Haven is a much-loved visitor attraction and community asset in Peterborough. What was once a derelict coal yard has been lovingly transformed by volunteers into a thriving inner-city green space. Featuring a landscaped area with ponds and waterfalls, the site now plays an important role, creating increased biodiversity and a habitat for local wildlife— as well as offering a unique visitor experience that celebrates both nature and the 200-year legacy of Britain’s railway industry.

The partnership kicked off with GL events UK providing volunteer labour to help with the ongoing maintenance and refurbishment of the Railworld site. Team members have taken part in everything from painting and repairing fences to clearing scrub land — all during the winter months when the attraction is closed to the public and the team has greater flexibility. 

Following this, the team were approached and asked to get involved with a new project converting an old railway carriage into a multipurpose activity and storage area. Using surplus materials from completed projects the team replaced the roof, sides, and doors, breathing new life into a historic structure while repurposing material that we don't have a use for.

For many employees in the Peterborough office, this initiative has felt particularly meaningful. Several team members have longstanding ties to the company and are familiar with its early history on River Lane. Working on a community project located just a stone’s throw from the original factory has been incredibly rewarding.

In February, the site received a visit from The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward as he met with young people who also volunteer at RailWorld while taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) scheme.  The teenager’s activities include woodworking – making traditional trellis panels, nest boxes and hedgehog hotels – and improving the paths around the site. 

The Duke of Edinburgh also unveiled a foundation stone at Wansford Road Station, which is currently being rebuilt and relocated at Railworld.

As the UK celebrates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway in 2025, GL events UK will also mark 205 years since the founding of Snowdens in Peterborough. 

We are proud to support the Railworld Wildlife Haven and look forward to continuing this rewarding partnership in the years to come.