Council's innovative podcast series wins major community award

We are celebrating national recognition after winning bronze in the Tourism and Leisure Award at the 21st Community Rail Awards, for our ‘Arun Valley Line: Beyond the Rails’ project.

A series of podcasts and short films highlight the unique character of the local area, showcasing attractions, walks and community activities that visitors can easily reach by train.

The award‑winning project was delivered collaboratively by Horsham District Council, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Whistlestop Arts.

This national recognition reflects the success of the innovative series of podcasts and short films that showcase the unique character of our District. They highlight local attractions, walking routes and community activities that can be easily accessed by rail.

Supporting tourism and sustainable visits

The project promotes not only our visitor economy, but also the benefits of sustainable travel and the positive impact of exploring our local area, as well as enhancing the profile of our District at a national level.

Series Two now available

The first series, launched in 2025, focused on stations within the District including Horsham, Billingshurst, Pulborough and Amberley. Building on that success, a second series has now been delivered, extending coverage to additional locations and strengthening collaboration with partners including Arun District Council and Experience Sussex. A children’s activity pack has also been developed, helping families engage with the railway and discover the area in an accessible and enjoyable way.

The Community Rail Awards received over 300 entries from across the country, making this recognition a significant achievement for all involved.

The Arun Valley Line: Beyond the Rails project is part‑funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.