An arts and heritage project is celebrating the creativity, history and community of a railway line that connects towns from Gatwick Airport to the coast.
The Arun Valley Line Arts and Heritage Project launched its second series on March 11, highlighting heritage and sustainable travel along the route that runs from Gatwick Airport to the coast.
Series 2 focuses on the six southern stations in Arun district and features podcast episodes, short films and stories from residents.
It follows the success of Series 1, which explored the northern part of the line and was recently shortlisted for a Community Rail Award.
Councillor Roger Nash, chair of the economy committee at Arun District Council, said: “Series 2 is a fantastic celebration of what makes Arun so special – our heritage, our landscapes and the people who bring our communities to life.
“This project shows the real power of partnership working, with councils, rail partners, tourism organisations and local creatives all coming together to showcase the best of our district.”
The project is a collaboration between Arun District Council, Horsham District Council, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP), Experience Sussex and Whistlestop Arts.
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Councillor Nash said it supports car-free travel and sustainable tourism.
He said: “By encouraging car-free travel and shining a spotlight on local stories, the project not only supports sustainable tourism but also boosts our visitor economy and strengthens community pride.
“I’m delighted to see such vibrant, collaborative work promoting Arun as a wonderful place to live, work and explore.”
Series 2 includes new podcast episodes featuring volunteers, makers and experts in heritage and nature, as well as four themed short films on The Great Outdoors, Hidden Gems and History, Episode Highlights and Pride of Place.
A new Arun Valley Line Railway Detectives activity pack invites families to explore the line through a mystery story Sonnet and the Silver Whistle, puzzles and station activities and confidence-building train travel tasks.
Funded by SCRP, 2,000 printed copies have been produced alongside a free digital version.
The Arun Valley Line runs from Gatwick Airport to Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, linking communities across Surrey and West Sussex.
