KEEP HISTORY MOVING

Support the East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway is a 12-mile heritage railway connecting Bury, Ramsbottom, Heywood and Rawtenstall. As a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the support of over 700 dedicated volunteers who help preserve, maintain and operate this unique part of Britain's railway heritage.

Every year, thousands of visitors enjoy our trains, museums, stations, educational activities and community events. However, like many charities across the UK, we are facing significant increases in operating costs.

Your donations help us preserve historic locomotives, maintain our railway infrastructure, support educational and STEM activities, and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this remarkable heritage asset.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep history moving.

Why We Need Your Support

Steam Operations

• Coal costs £13.50 per mile

• Around £972 per operating day

• Over £203,000 per year

Diesel Operations

• Fuel costs £6.44 per mile

• Around £463.50 per operating day

• Over £79,000 per year

Utilities

• £638 every day

• £238,000 every year

Track Maintenance

The railway includes over 3,500 rails across 12 miles of running line and sidings.

Typical renewal costs:

• One new rail – £1,200

• 24 sleepers for one 60ft track panel – £720

• Ballast for one panel – £500

• Total cost to replace one 60ft panel of track – £3,470

Thank you for your support to preserve and share the heritage of this amazing railway for many years to come.