The Darent Valley CRP works closely with Southeastern, the company which manages the stations along the line and runs trains which stop at Sevenoaks, Otford and Swanley, and Thameslink, the company which runs the trains which stop at all six stations.
We also work with Network Rail, the company responsible for the track and most of the land, bridges, tunnels and viaducts adjacent to the stations.
Go-Coach, based near Sevenoaks, is also helping us coordinate ‘The Last Mile’, or getting travellers from the station to their end destination. In many cases there are bus stops near the stations which can connect harder to reach tourism spots or businesses with the railway.
Another of our key partners is the Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme, with whom we collaborate closely. The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme is an exciting large-scale partnership, working to conserve and enhance the distinctive heritage landscapes of the Darent Valley, connecting people to help conserve the valley for the future. The scheme brings together a unique mix of organisations which work with and empower local communities to ensure the survival of this exceptional area. Through them, the Scheme will achieve genuinely sustainable conservation of natural and cultural heritage with communities who feel emotionally and physically reconnected with their landscape.
We are delighted to announce that we are now a Department of Transport Accredited Community Rail Partnership (Dec 2023). With thanks to Community Rail Network, Southeastern and Thameslink together with many other partners for helping us to reach this level of professionalism. Accreditation is formal recognition by the DfT that a community rail partnership (CRP) operates to a high standard and that its objectives and activities are supported by Government.
Stations throughout the Darent Valley include Swanley, Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford, Bat & Ball and Sevenoaks
Train operators, stations and services all work together to provide sustainable, accessible transport for enjoyable journeys
Bat & Ball Station
Bat & Ball Station was the first railway station in Sevenoaks and was used by Queen Victoria when visiting Knole. It was boarded up in 1992 and gradually deteriorated, becoming nearly derelict. An ambitious project to restore it – using Heritage Lottery Funds – resulted in an award-winning restoration in 2019, with architects Theis & Khan, bringing the Grade II listed building back to life. It is now enjoyed by a whole range of communities and includes a beautiful cafe.