News

Investment in Tanfield Railway to inspire future engineers

30th March 2026

We’re proud to announce a £130,000 grant to Tanfield Railway to support an ambitious new programme focused on volunteer development and youth engagement.

This three-year initiative, Tanfield Tracks: Pioneering People on the World’s Oldest Railway, is designed to strengthen the railway’s volunteer base while creating meaningful, hands-on pathways into engineering for young people across the North East.

The funding comes at an exciting time for Tanfield Railway, following its 300th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and its recent success at the Heritage Railway Association Awards, where it was named Railway of the Year.

Through this investment, we are supporting the creation of a new People Development and Youth Engagement Manager role.

This position will play a key part in growing the railway’s volunteer team to 300 active members by 2027, while introducing a more structured and sustainable approach to recruitment, training and retention.

We’re particularly excited about the opportunities this project will create for young people. Over the next three years, Tanfield Tracks will engage 300 individuals aged 10–25, giving them the chance to gain hands-on experience in engineering, restoration and railway operations. Thirty of these participants will go on to take up dedicated volunteer roles, helping them build confidence, skills and pathways into future careers.

As a Foundation, we believe strongly in the power of practical experience to inspire future engineers. Projects like this not only open doors for young people but also help preserve vital heritage skills and strengthen communities.

Simon Gilroy, Trustee at the Reece Foundation, said:
“We’re really pleased to support Tanfield Railway and their Tanfield Tracks project. It’s a fantastic way for young people to gain hands-on experience in engineering, restoration and teamwork, while also connecting with their local heritage. Bringing volunteers together in this way helps spark interest in STEM careers and builds a skilled, passionate community that will keep Tanfield Railway thriving for years to come.”

Tanfield Tracks will also bring together local schools, community groups and engineering partners to provide mentoring, careers guidance and real-world industry insight – ensuring young people can see a clear and exciting future in engineering.

David Watchman, Tanfield Railway General Manager, said:
“This support from the Reece Foundation allows us to turn the momentum from our incredible 300th anniversary in 2025 and our recent success at the Heritage Railway Association Awards into a lasting legacy. People are at the centre of everything we achieve at Tanfield and by investing in a dedicated Manager to manage, mentor and engage with our volunteers and the next generation, we are ensuring that the skills required to maintain the world’s oldest railway are passed across in our region, providing tangible STEM opportunities and a sense of pride in our shared industrial railway heritage”.

Supporting initiatives like this is central to our mission. By investing in people today, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient and opportunity-rich future for the North East.