The special train will make its way through Essex in a bid to raise awareness of the climate emergency

The event which is aimed at families is being arranged by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership with additional support provided by Greater Anglia, Essex Path to Prosperity, Essex County Council and The Essex Forest Initiative.

Departing Wickford station at 10.06 on Sunday the 22nd of May, the service will arrive at North Fambridge, where a one hour guided walk through the Blue House Farm Nature Reserve and around the Sea Wall will take place.

Onboard, families will be given free and fun-filled climate change activity packs which will also include an I-spy game to use during the walk.

The walk will end at North Fambridge Village Hall with refreshments provided alongside a display by the Essex Climate Action Commission which will bring further insight into how people across the county can work to tackle climate change.

The Essex Forest Initiative which is supporting the event will plant a tree for every train ticket purchased.

Those taking part in the climate event will return on the 13:21 train back to Wickford Station.

Tickets for the event are just £5 per adult and £3 per child and include return rail fare from Wickford and are available to book online via the Railplus website.

Jayne Sumner, Rail Engagement Officer for the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said:

“We’re really excited to run our first climate change awareness train to help the whole family understand issues around climate change awareness and contribute to tree planting in the county.

“We hope it will give families lots of ideas about small changes they can make to help the planet and inspire them to consider travelling more sustainably in the future.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said:

“Rail has a huge part to play in a greener future as it is one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport. Our brand-new trains contribute to this even further as they are greener than our old ones, and we are also increasing biodiversity at stations across our network with the help of our station adopter volunteers who are dedicating large areas of station gardens to wildlife.”

Tom Moat, Senior Forestry and Woodland Officer at Essex County Council said:

“The Essex Forest Initiative team are really looking forward to this day of climate awareness engagement.

“Tree planting will play an important part in our actions against climate change and whilst plenty more needs to be done to reduce emissions in the first place, the opportunity to engage with Essex residents about the benefits of tree planting is vital in our mission to make Essex cleaner and greener.”