Durnin Research Ltd and Jenni Waugh Consulting Ltd have been appointed by the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) to evaluate the impact of the restoration of the Falling Sands Viaduct and accompanying activity plan.
The Falling Sands Viaduct is a significant Kidderminster landmark that was originally completed in 1877 and is an original part of the line known as the Kidderminster Loop. The seven arch structure crosses high above the River Stour and Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Conservation Area in Kidderminster. It is an essential part of the Severn Valley Railway’s heritage infrastructure and critical to the continued running of the railway.
In time for the Severn Valley Railway’s 50th anniversary as a heritage attraction, project volunteers will collect oral histories from some of the original supporters and volunteers as well as researching the stories of those who designed and built the Railway in the 19th century. The project team will also work with volunteers, apprentices, students, supporters and local organisations to share these stories with the local community and visitors in a range of new and accessible interpretation and activities, creating a mobile museum in a break wagon and sharing the social history of the railway workers and volunteers for the first time. The project has been made possible by the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), alongside donations from individuals, businesses and trusts.
For more information on the project, see: https://www.fallingsandsviaduct.org.uk/
Jonathan Durnin Research 