Swine Station Revealed: A Weekend of Community Action
Over the last weekend in October, a group of hardy volunteers rolled up their sleeves to carry out vegetation clearance at Swine Station on the Hornsea Trail. The aim was to uncover part of the old railway platform, long hidden beneath brambles, weeds, and moss.
On Saturday 25th, a local farmer brought in a hedge cutter, making short work of the thick overgrowth and dramatically transforming the site.
The following day, Sunday 26th, volunteers returned with hand tools to dig out roots, trim back remaining vegetation, and carefully clear the coping stones.
Swine Station once formed part of the Hull to Hornsea railway line, which operated from 1864 until its closure in 1964 under the Beeching cuts. It carried Victorian day trippers to the coast and workers into Hull, and remains a cherished part of local heritage. One passer-by, walking his dog, fondly recalled travelling to Hornsea by train as a child.
What’s Next?
Plans for Phase 2 include:
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Planting wildflowers to enhance biodiversity and soften the landscape
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Installing information boards to share the history of the station and the railway line
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Exploring options to stabilise the platform structure
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Seeking sponsorship and funding to support further restoration and interpretation
This project is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together. If you’d like to get involved or support future phases, please get in touch—we’d love to hear from you.