The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

The Wild Escape

Use these pages to find out how you can get involved

Led by Art Fund and supported by Arts Council England, The Wild Escape is a major new project uniting hundreds of museums and schools in a celebration of UK wildlife and creativity, inviting the next generation to join in the conversation about biodiversity.

The West Somerset Railway is committed to connecting with and engaging members of the local community, including families, schools, and other groups, through a variety of exciting and innovative initiatives. Our main goal is to promote and celebrate the amazing variety of habitats that can be found along the length of our line. We believe that by spreading awareness and engaging with people at large, we can inspire positive action in protecting and preserving these important and unique biodiversity hotspots.

By utilising the West Somerset Railway as a platform, we are able to highlight the essential role that rail travel can play in reducing our carbon footprint and helping to combat climate change. We are proud to be pioneers in the creation of a ‘green corridor‘ that supports and encourages the flourishing of wildlife. By fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world, we are taking important steps toward a sustainable future for generations to come.

As the spring and summer months approach, we are excited to announce our upcoming outreach events and workshop days at both the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard and Gauge Museum Blue Anchor. These events will be taking place from March through July, and will offer a range of educational and entertaining activities for both school groups and community organisations.

In addition, our museums will be hosting several fun and creative family workshop days where individuals of all ages can take part in craft and storytelling activities. These collaborative efforts will result in a series of breathtaking pieces of art that represent and celebrate the diverse habitats found along the picturesque West Somerset Railway.

Whether you are a museum enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and educational day out for the family, we are confident that we can provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

During the warm summer months, the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard will be showcasing a unique collection of artworks that beautifully represent the diverse array of habitats on the West Somerset Railway. Each piece of art is equipped with Audio buttons that, when pressed, will reveal fascinating insights about the habitats and wildlife featured in them.

Also, the artworks feature QR codes that visitors can scan using their mobile phones to access this website, where they can delve deeper into the information and pictures presented. Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard is dedicated to providing visitors with an immersive and engaging experience where they can enhance their knowledge of the natural world and explore the beauty of art at the same time. Don’t miss the chance to visit this one-of-a-kind exhibition and discover the wonders of the WSR habitats!

For more information on the story of Railways and Climate Change, hover over the link below;

For more information on each habitat, hover over any of the pictures below;