The Dean Forest Railway Museum Trust (DFRMT) has secured a major grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the development of its ‘Goods to Parkend’ Museum project.

Based at Norchard on the Dean Forest Railway, the museum will use the funding to deliver a significant expansion at Parkend, improving how the area’s tramroad and industrial railway heritage is presented to visitors.

The grant will fund most of the project costs, with additional support coming from the Trust’s own resources, Forest of Dean Railway Limited (FoDRL) and the Dean Forest Railway Society (DFRS).

The award follows months of planning and preparatory work by museum staff and volunteers, particularly the Parkend-based team.

The Trust also paid tribute to John Metherall for his long-term leadership of the scheme, alongside Museum Trustee and design lead Chris Bladon, and consultant Dave Tucker, for their contributions. The project is seen as a significant step in preserving and interpreting the Forest of Dean’s railway history for future generations.

“I am extremely pleased to hear of the Dean Forest Railway Museum Trust’s successful bid for a National Heritage Lottery Grant towards the development of Parkend Goods Shed. This will see the Goods Shed become another jewel in the crown of Parkend station, offering more opportunities for our passengers to learn about the history and background of our railway and the wider area. The Dean Forest Railway Society will continue to support this project through to its successful completion as part of our partnership with the DFRMT.”

Tim McLennan, Chairman of the Dean Forest Railway Society.