Already home to the currently only preserved Metrocar – 4001 – the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside is set to enjoy more donations from the Tyne and Wear Metro which will used in the railway’s Woodland Walk. Logs from the lineside of the Metro will help to conserve and improve the walking route in the walking route which was opened in 2025.
Stewart Clarke, Nexus’ Infrastructure Director, said: “It is brilliant to see that used timber from our Metro lineside estate works are being put to such good use at the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside.
“By re-using the logs in this way, it boosts biodiversity and underscores our own commitment to sustainability.
“The wood comes from a range of work sites across the Metro system, where we carefully manage the trackside areas on a rolling basis. It will be put to great use by the volunteers at Stephenson on the popular woodland nature trail.
“The footpath sits alongside our original Metro prototype train, carriage 4001, which was donated to the museum last year.”
The logs have been collected and transported to the site by Nexus workers. They will now be seasoned and prepared for future use.
The Woodland Walk was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and includes outdoor artefacts and art installations, and also creates a nature conservation area.
Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager at North East Museums, said: “We are very grateful to Nexus for this donation of timber, which will make a real difference to our Woodland Walk. The logs will be used to strengthen and enhance the path leading through the walk, and will also create valuable habitats for insects, birds and small mammals along the route.
“What was once an area of scrubland has been transformed into a thriving habitat for wildlife and a vibrant outdoor classroom for children. Our Woodland Walk project not only encourages biodiversity but also offers visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to connect with nature, local history and the environment around them.”