The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded the Great Central Railway £250,000, as part of a grant aiming to boost the heritage railway and its long-term development ambitions.

Funded by National Lottery players, the award will support a programme aimed at improving the volunteer experience, enhancing passenger and visitor visits, and strengthening environmental sustainability across the railway.

A major portion of the funding will focus on volunteers, who remain central to the operation of the day-to-day function of the heritage railway.

Plans include recruiting a Volunteer Ambassador, alongside improved induction and training programmes, enhanced support arrangements, and outreach with schools and underrepresented groups to encourage wider participation.

The grant will also fund pilot visitor experience projects linked to the railway’s ‘Britain’s Living Railway’ vision.

Early proposals include expanded interpretation, immersive living history experiences, and greater use of heritage buses to encourage visitors to explore more of the line and the surrounding area.

Additional funding has been allocated towards developing an Environmental Sustainability Plan, helping the railway assess its environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and support biodiversity across the estate.

Work on the funded projects is expected to begin in the coming months.