Several Bucks initiatives to be supported by Chiltern Railways

It comes as part of the operator's Community Investment Fund.

An Aylesbury art project, a wayfinding programme in Winslow and a community events scheme in Princes Risborough are among 11 new projects who will receive a share the £150,000 grant.

Chiltern Railways' Community Investment Fund (CIF) projects are focused on "biodiversity, wellbeing, placemaking and skills development", aiming to strengthen connections between local communities and the railway, improve station environments and create opportunities for people to develop new skills. 

Previous CIF-supported initiatives have included 'Rail Roots' by The Tree Council, a biodiversity and tree-planting initiative across Aylesbury, Gerrard's Cross and Stoke Mandeville, a large-scale mural at Great Missenden celebrating local literary heritage and a station enhancement project at High Wycombe.

This years new projects are as follows: 

Aylesbury Community Art Project - Working with local young people and artists to create public artwork at Aylesbury that improves the station environment, supports wellbeing and strengthens community pride. 

Winslow Wayfinding - A coordinated wayfinding and placemaking programme linking the new Winslow station with the town centre through welcome signage, heritage trails, digital content and attractive planting, encouraging visitors to explore local businesses, attractions and green spaces. 

Risborough Community Events - Establishing new community events in Princes Risborough and reviving youth sporting opportunities while promoting the nearby Phoenix Trail, encouraging participation and healthy lifestyles. 

Welcome to Wycombe - Expanding station gardens, wildlife habitats and public art at High Wycombe and Saunderton to enhance the arrival experience, support biodiversity and celebrate local heritage, while engaging volunteers and community groups in both stations. 

Tracks to Town - Using public art, wayfinding and placemaking to create an attractive and memorable route between Warwick station and the town centre, supporting sustainable travel and local businesses. 

Denham Cycle Route Link, Station Underpass Improvement - Delivering a collaborative mural project that improves the appearance, safety and accessibility of the station underpass while strengthening links to the wider Denham walking and cycling network. 

Lines of Belonging, Kings Sutton - Creating station galleries at Kings Sutton that capture local memories and connections to the railway, enhancing station environments and fostering pride in place. 

Marylebone Journeys - Combining community rail experiences, art therapy, local business promotion and station greening at London Marylebone to create meaningful opportunities for social inclusion. 

Nature Screen for Wellbeing - Installing an ivy screen around a primary school playground near Wembley Stadium to improve privacy and biodiversity. 

Platforms to Progress - Delivering mentoring and life-skills workshops for young people in Brent, helping participants build confidence and explore future career opportunities, including within the rail industry. 

Rewinding and Nature Trail - Creating a community rewilding area and educational nature trail at The Sherriff Centre, West Hampstead featuring wildlife habitats as well as interactive learning opportunities that promote biodiversity and wellbeing.

Speaking on the 2026 initiatives, Michael Stewart - Customer and Commercial Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways - said: 

"This year's Community Investment Fund is supporting a diverse range of projects that will strengthen connections between the railway and the communities we serve, helping people make the most of the places and opportunities our network links together.

"From community art and biodiversity initiatives to youth development programmes, each project has been designed and led by local organisations with a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of their communities. We are proud to support their work and look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact these initiatives will deliver across our network."

All funded projects are expected to be completed by the end of March 2027.