The future of the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway in Northumberland has been secured after volunteers acquired a long-term lease, ending the threat of eviction. The railway, which runs along a 1km track from Woodhorn near Ashington, had been at risk of permanent closure after struggling to secure a workable lease for its line, storage sheds and workshops.
Railway's history and revival
The railway was formed in 1993 and ran along a 1m track from the site of Woodhorn Museum, along the Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, to Lakeside Halt platform. It operated under various guises before closing in 2018, then lay derelict until 2024 when a group of volunteers formed a wellbeing and community hub as a non-profit organisation to bring the track back to life. Their aim was to honour the region's industrial heritage by restoring ex-mining rolling stock and creating an affordable and accessible local attraction.
The volunteers faced the threat of eviction due to not having a secure long-term lease from the council and were unable to apply for the grant funding needed to complete the restoration. Now, thanks to free, expert advice from commercial law firm Muckle LLP, they have acquired a long-term lease, giving the railway a permanent base. The railway could now reopen at Easter next year as a charity organisation with a board of trustees.
Community impact and volunteer efforts
Colin Heath, director at the Woodhorn railway, said: "We were always mindful of the need to secure a workable lease and the potential jeopardy to the entire project if we didn't. This railway is so much more than just a track - it is a vital piece of our local industrial heritage and has become a real focal point for the people here."
He added: "Seeing it lie derelict for years was incredibly sad, but the determination of our volunteers to help it rise again has been nothing short of inspiring. Securing its survival means we can finally fully restore this site into an affordable and fantastic experience for local families and ensure our region's history isn't forgotten."
The railway was formed when Woodhorn Museum and Northumberland Archives were given an ex-mining locomotive and three man-riding cars following the closure of Vane Tempest Colliery, County Durham. Colin said: "Our group's numbers have grown to 23 regular volunteers and we now provide a community hub, with volunteering opportunities for locals and firms alike. We have had many big firms have their employee volunteer days with us and they have all been a huge success. We also provide workplace experience for students from the local technical college in Ashington."
Legal support and future plans
Colin and his team came across Muckle's pro bono work offering via The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. He added: "We had already tried and struggled to obtain the lease ourselves for six months. We really needed some professional help but just didn't have the funds to engage a lawyer. Richard Nixon at Muckle provided a lifeline for us. His expert advice and clear, straightforward approach meant that we were able to do what was needed to protect the railway for generations to come. We could never have got to this point without his help."
The team at Muckle represented the railway for a year, guiding them through the process and negotiating lease terms that made the future of the railway viable. Richard, partner and head of natural capital at Muckle, said: "It was a genuine pleasure to help the team at Woodhorn. It's hugely important to honour our heritage at a local level and the dedication of these volunteers means the railway's legacy can be passed down to future generations. I was delighted to play a small part in helping secure the railway's future and I wish the team every success as they continue their restoration."
