Marlow Donkey walking and rail trail (community project)

We ran a project to highlight the story of the Marlow to Bourne End railway line, known as 'The Marlow Donkey'.

This small route had a big impact on the area, contributing to its history and development.

We created a beautifully-illustrated walking and rail trail, inspired by local voices and history using funding from GWR’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF).

We worked closely with local community groups, including groups who address social needs to gather memories, stories, and creative responses to the railway and surrounding area.

Prize-winning poet Helen Powell and celebrated local illustrator and designer Nicola Metcalfe, led the workshops, with Nicola also developing the final designs.

Ideas from the workshops helped with the development of the look and feel of the illustrated trail and were curated into a community collage.

The collage of Marlow Donkey stories was exhibited the Marlow Library, Bourne End Community Library and is currently at Marlow Museum. GWR are planning to move it to Maidenhead Station, to encourage more people to visit and explore Bourne End and Marlow.

You can visit the community exhibition at the Marlow Museum or see the Heritage Board at Bourne End Station to:

• learn more about the history of your local branch line
• pick up a leaflet which will guide you through the walking route, so that you too can Follow the Donkey