Spotting nature from the train initiative launched on St Ives Bay branch line

A NEW initiative to make the most of the beauty and wildlife lining the route of the St Ives branch line is being launched today.

Spotting Wildlife by Train is a new joint promotion between Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership.

Posters and 35,000 leaflets have been produced to promote travel by train on the St Ives Bay Line and to encourage a greater appreciation of local flora and fauna. Kirstie Francis, Fox Club manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for families to get involved and have some fun searching for the amazing wildlife that lives in Cornwall while enjoying a great day out at the same time. The leaflet not only gives you ideas of what to look out for they are also full of fascinating facts about the wildlife that can been seen." The project is being supported by train operator First Great Western and leaflets and posters promoting the initiative will appear at stations throughout the company's network, including as far away as Bristol, Reading and London Paddington.

Rebecca Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: "We have aimed this new guide at families in the hope that they will not only discover the wealth of wildlife the two lines have to offer, but also enjoy a great day out by train."