The Friends of Cononley Station has been in existence for 4 years. The piece of land where the 7 wooden tubs are was where the Cononley signal box was until 1995 when the line was electrified. The area became a weed patch but as a result of  gentle arm twisting within Network Rail, a section of fencing was removed allowing the new area to be created. The small rose bed was our first venture.

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By the beck, Hayley has brought the abandoned area back to life and the aim is to create a larger wildlife area based on an idea by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. We are pleased that many enjoy the station as it is the only public area where villagers and visitors can easily view the plants. The ceramics on platform 2 were created by Hayley. Stations should be welcoming and safe.

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Why an Otter as the station logo? During Covid the village was very quiet and our own excellent wildlife photographer, Neil Turner, took the picture of the Otter walking along platform 2 at 7.40 am on 25th April, 2020. The beck is close by. Thanks to Emma Slater for the graphics.

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The gardens are looked after by Hayley and Marten and family especially when it comes to watering in the present climate. We must not forget Poona, the station cat who does not like birds but does act as a calming influence for some people.

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We must thank Cononley Parish Council, NYC Andy Brown and some villagers for the seed corn funding and Northern Rail and the Aire Valley Rail Users' Group for continued support.

The Group is now affiliated to the Leeds - Morecambe Community Rail Partnership.