Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership

      Bat & Ball Station Poster by Kit Boyd

About the Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership

 

We have been working in close contact with Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership (DVCRP), to establish a vital and creative link between local communities and the rail services in the area. It covers over six railway stations; Sevenoaks, Bat & Ball, Otford, Shoreham, Eynsford, and Swanley.

As part of our connection with DVCRP, we have managed to successfully create a Heritage Railway uniting these six stations and inspire our communities and visitors to travel long this beautiful train line. Around the Station are visual representations of our partnership with the DVCRP; the large railway planter, posters & cards for sale, Rail Trail booklets, and events such as the 2023 Photography exhibition. If you'd like to get involved, we are always welcome to new ideas and handy helpers: volunteering.


Darent Valley Murals at Bat & Ball and Sevenoaks Station completed 2024

Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership secured funding for two murals at Bat & Ball Station and Sevenoaks Station which have been completed. These proposed mural designs go along the brick railway bridge at Bat & Ball Station and the wall at the back of the Sevenoaks Station dropoff point. The artwork has been completed by London muralist Olga Sielicka. You can check out her website here.

 Public consultations for the murals commenced in the Autumn of 2023 for a 6 week period, using two processess; Ballot boxes and online survey. The ballot boxes with forms were located at Bat & Ball Station Cafe, Sevenoaks Town Council offices, Sevenoaks Station, and Bat & Ball Community Centre. We're pleased to announce that through the mural consultation process, there was an overwhelming 90% positive feedback for both murals. 

On the 19th February 2024 Olga Sielicka began painting the first mural for Bat & Ball Station. It took around 3 weeks 3 weeks to complete before being coated in an anti-graffiti paint. This mural is funded by the DVCRP, with the aim to highlight the presence of Bat & Ball Station, the local stations along the Darent Valley rail line, and the Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership.

The mural at Sevenoaks Station was then completed in summer 2024, with the design showcasing the effect of coming out of the urban landscape of London into Sevenoaks with the deer park and surrounding countryside.

Olg is now working on the next mural on the platform at Shoreham Station.

 

*If you'd like to enquire about these murals and would like more information, please contact Sevenoaks Town Council comms@sevenoakstown.gov.uk.

 


 


Bat & Ball Station mural progress update photographs


 20/02/24


 21/02/24


 23/02/24


28/02/24 


06/03/24 




Bat & Ball Station Mural Design completed! 

 

 

 (Top: Left, Bottom: Right)

 

Sevenoaks Station Mural Design completed!

 

Rail Trails Walking Maps & App

 

 DVCRP Railway Planter

 

 
 A new walking trail and app has been launched in partnership with the Darent Valley CRP and Darent Valley Landscape Partnership. These wonderful trails are designed to start at any of the 6 Darent Valley railway stations, perfect for those travelling down to the Sevenoaks Area and wish to explore our vibrant Kent Downs. Each trail varies in difficulty and terian, allowing those wanting to walk a short 2.5 miles to a long 9 miles all together. 
 If you haven't walked one yet, pick up a FREE Rail Trail walking booklet including 17 trails from Bat & Ball Station cafe or download the App. 
We love to see any photo's from your trails, so get exploring and tag us on social media on either Facebook @batandballstation or Twitter @BatandBallTrain 

Darent Valley Stations Merchandise


 

 

Local Artist, Kit Boyd commissioned by the DVCRP in 2022 to paint beautiful and totally unique depictions to show a small slice of life on your journey through the Darent Valley. Starting with Swanley leading through Eynsford, Shoreham, Otford and then onto Bat & Ball and finally Sevenoaks.


These are for sale at Bat & Ball Station Cafe, and soon to be for sale at other stores. If you would like to purchase one, please visit the cafe
For sale:

A4 Poster £6
A3 Poster £10
A2 Poster £15
A1 Poster £20

Pack of 6 Station A5 cards £15
Individual card £3.50

 

Now available for purchase online at Shopify

Shopify DVCRP Posters