Five railway stations along the Heart of Wales railway line have benefitted from the installation of new floral planters.

The Heart of Wales line runs from Swansea to Shrewsbury via Llandrindod and the stations that have received new planters are Builth Road, Llandrindod, Penybont, Knucklas and Knighton.

Speaking on behalf of the Partnership, Nature Recovery Officer Ben Mullen, said: “We were looking to fund green infrastructure on the transport network in Powys and involving Transport for Wales, their local volunteer station adopters and the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership was a perfect fit.”

Owen Griffkin, community rail officer for the Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership said: “We were delighted to partner with Powys County Council in making our stations more welcoming for the community and the many tourists who travel on the railway. Working with the volunteers, we chose a mix of pollinator-friendly plants that will self-seed and continue to brighten the platforms for many years, as providing a biodiversity boost that will benefit local wildlife.”

Funded by a Welsh Government Local Places for Nature grant via the Powys Nature Partnership, the project aims to enhance biodiversity by providing pollinator plants with aesthetically pleasing floral displays at stations in Powys.

Mr Griffkin continued; “In addition to perennial, pollinator friendly plants, native wildflowers were planted into peat free compost. These will provide pollen and nectar for many species such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths. The planters will act as ‘stepping stones’ within the wider environment and show that small scale planting can make a big different to our declining nature.”

The planters have been manufactured by Pembrokeshire based Norman Industries, a local authority-based enterprise in Haverfordwest. Norman Industries is based in Haverfordwest and offers work experience, paid supported employment and training to disabled people and people with a work limiting health condition via its Supported Employment Programme.

Geraint Morgan, community rail manager for Transport for Wales, said: “Stations are important gateways to communities along the line and first impressions matter. This grant has helped enhance existing green features at the five stations, which will be cared for by our dedicated teams of local volunteers.”