Metro timbers boost North Tyneside nature trail

Logs from Metro’s lineside will be used to support the heritage railway’s Woodland Walk, which opened to the public last year.

It will help conserve and improve the walking route, supporting the wildlife along the footpath, which has been created on what used to be two-acres of wasteland.

Metro operator Nexus said it was delighted to help the Stephenson Railway, which is run by volunteers.

The railway has a strong bond with Nexus, as the site was the home of the Metro test track in the late 1970s.

Representatives from the railway said the donation was a welcome boost and highlighted the importance of support from the local community.

Stuart Clarke, Infrastructure Director at Nexus, 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.”

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.”

The logs were collected by Nexus workers and transported to the site, where they will be seasoned and prepared for future use.

The Stephenson Railway’s woodland walk was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and opened to the public in June 2025.

The redevelopment includes outdoor artefacts and art installations, and space to more outdoor events, as well as creating a nature conservation area.

It was the brainchild of Rob Clark and Jean Liddy, volunteers from the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association (NTSRA), who led its development.

The Stephenson Steam Railway is managed by North East Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council. It is also supported by volunteers from the NTRSA, who play a key role in maintaining and operating the heritage railway.

The railway, located on Middle Engine Lane, is now home to the original Metro carriage, 4001, which was donated to North East Museums by Nexus in 2025, preserving a unique part of the region’s rail heritage.

The train – which features the original yellow and white Metro colour scheme  – was the first prototype Metro carriage that was delivered to the Metro test track in 1975, five years ahead of the system opening in August 1980.