The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton in Somerset has been clearing overgrown vegetation to prepare the railway for opening in April for the 2025 season.

The last public trains of the 2024 winter season ran on 1st January 1st, but since then, the railway has been far from quiet at the station, with volunteers busy preparing for the season ahead.

There is always plenty of work needed to get the railway in order, such as routine maintenance jobs that can only be done out of season.

Every Sunday, a team of Permanent Way volunteers have been clearing trackside vegetation, countless hours of hacking away at undergrowth, brambles, and trees to reveal the proper extent of the space between the cess (the area to the outside of the track) and the railway’s boundary fence. Now that the vegetation has been trimmed back, the line looks much better.

However, vegetation clearance hasn’t ended, as once spring growth volunteers will once more be out keeping it in check. The team is always ready to welcome new volunteers, and they start work no later than 9.00 every Sunday.

This year’s services start on 6th April with trains departing at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00 with All Day Rover tickets available for 10 for adults and 5 for children aged 4-16. The station shop and buffet will be open from 10:00 until 3:30.

Wednesday, 9th April is the start of the season’s Wickham Trolley Rides, when visitors can ride in a Wickham trolley over the full length of the line and see what has been achieved so far in laying new sidings and restoring the Somerset & Dorset Railway towards Chilcompton.

Rides start from Midsomer Norton from 10:30 am with return trips taking approximately 20 minutes and cost £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children aged 4-16.

On Easter Sunday, 20th April and Easter Monday, 21st April there will be a special event at Midsomer Norton station with Easter at the Station which will include an Easter Egg Hunt for children.