JUST HOW SUSTAINABLE ARE HERITAGE RAILWAYS?
Early last year, I began writing a comprehensive study about the sustainability of heritage railways in the UK. I have been involved in the sector for seven years, across a wide range of projects and organisations, and steam traction is a huge part of ‘who I am’. Therefore, it’s fair to say I had a vested interest in uncovering the underlying issues which may cause trouble in years to come.
The study culminated in a 9000-word research paper, using over 30 pieces of reference material and including interviews with senior managers within our sector. This article will probe the challenges I found in bite-sized chunks. There are, of course, many exceptions to the ‘rules’ laid out, but heritage railway volunteers and managers should objectively reflect on whether any suggestions in this article would be of benefit to their organisation.
Where are we today?
IT’S worth remembering that in the 70 years since the opening of the Talyllyn, heritage railways have grown into distinct sectors of the UK tourism and heritage conservation arenas. There are approximately 140 sites, running lines and museums in Great Britain themed around railway history, generating an estimated £400 million for the economy each year, giving pleasure to 22,000 volunteers and providing income to 4000 members of staff.
For a group which, in the vast majority of cases, does not receive any local authority or government subsidy
