Environment

The Talyllyn Railway is working hard to improve its environmental credentials.

We are conscious that some of our practices such as the burning of coal in our steam engines, the use of diesel in other engines as well as the use of electricity and water have a negative impact on the environment.

However, we are determined to do what we can to offset our environmental impact. We are committed to our regularly reviewed Environmental Policy, which covers how we deal with:

We have recently partnered with Forest Carbon to begin a long term project to offset our CO2 emissions from burning coal, and Carbon Neutral Britain for our annual coal consumption offsetting. We encourage all passengers to offset their journey by adding a £1 donation to their booking – which will be reinvested in offsetting projects.

We have electric vehicle charging points available at Wharf and Abergynolwyn and have replaced an elderly diesel van with an electric version. Solar panels have been fitted to the Wharf main building and toilets. We also use we use solar panels up the line where mains power is not available. We have composting toilets at Dolgoch, and we use low-flush loos elsewhere.

We are committed to improving the lineside diversity. Current projects include revitalising our hedgerows through an annual hedgelaying programme, planting native species, tree management, and bug hotels built by our younger volunteers –  the Tracksiders. We are looking forward to working with industry experts to improve our lineside diversity and looking into wild meadow areas rather than grass where possible.

Tracksiders making a new Bug Hotel at Dolgoch. Photo: Ian Evans.
Work gloves, made from recycled plastic bottles.

We are looking to reuse and recycle as much as possible. We have started trials with our lineside management volunteers using new outdoor gloves made from recycled plastic bottles. We use VegWare food packaging, and have recycling points around the railway.

If you have any suggestions for areas in which we could improve please contact us.