The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trackbed Trust was formed in 1993 and incorporated in 1995 as a company 3038464, a Charity (1045547), and supporting Society. The aim of the Trust is to preserve the remaining fragmented sections of the former 103 route mile Somerset and Dorset trackbed (by either land lease freehold or joint partnership with interested parties) as public rights of way and thus for future needs.

In September 1995 the Trust was able to secure, after six months of negotiations, a very appropriate headquarters when a council, formerly Wansdyke but now part of Bath and North East Somerset council agreed to draw up a lease an the most intact surviving S&D station out of the original forty-five, namely Midsomer Norton. Work is being undertaken to clear about 100 metres of ex-trackbed in order to put down ballast and rail. The station is being refurbished and will be a visitor centre, museum and, possibly a place for cycle hire.

We have just taken out a 25year lease on the site!

Please note that this Trust changed its name to: The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust

The Aims and Objectives of the S and D Railway Heritage Trust are:

* To work with Local Councils and other interested parties in preserving as much of the former trackbed and associated structures (e.g. bridges, tunnels, viaducts) as possible.

* It is the author's view that there ought to be a monotorium all all building/"developing" work on all old railway trackbeds and that many could be re-opened as walk/cycle/bridle ways ... just in case, at a later date, there is a need to reinstate them as rail/tram ways.

* To work with the same organisations to explore the possibilities of re-opening as much of the former trackbed as possible for the purposes of walking, cycling and horse-riding, and perhaps one day, for the partial reopening as a train line again.

* To turn the old "Silver Street" station at Midsomer Norton (Restoration plan) as a visitor/education centre with the express (pun intended) hope of laying down some rail towards Chilcompton and perhaps even Masbury (the highest station on the line). In the interim we are hoping to lay about 100 yards of track, complete with sidings. Picture of the station in about 1900)

If anyone could help us on these 2 schemes or indeed on any other matter, please get in touch with me. We would especially like to hear from anyone working in any of the local councils and BR who could offer advice and help.. Of course if you could help us with the purchase of the station - even better!