Rowden Mill Station

22/07/2024

Having created a small pond by the tracks here at Rowden Mill Station, we experience how important this watery habitat is for wildlife.

Upon a couple of days of the pond being ready, it started to be colonised by newts and all sorts of aquatic invertebrates.

Help us find and protect the best habitats for freshwater wildlife! 🌿🐸💦

Fewer than 2% of UK ponds have been identified as priority habitats but the total is likely to exceed 20%.

We’re working with Natural England to map England’s priority ponds. You can help by carrying out our new priority pond survey: https://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/advice-resources/survey-methods-hub/priority-pond-survey/

21/07/2024

We are very excited. It is Sunday, and we are ready for the 'Last Dance Saloon' at the brilliant Nozstock The Hidden Valley music festival.

Twenty six years! Many congratulations! Going out with a bang!

We've got some last minute work to do at the station but we'll join you soon for the party down our lane.
Brilliant!

29/06/2024

The fragrance is intoxicating

29/06/2024

Waterworks Museum - Hereford is celebrating 50 years! Open every Tuesday along with Steam and Open Days on selected Sundays (March to October).

***50 Wonderful Watery Years!***

From Disused Pumping Station to Thriving Heritage Attraction and ESL Member, The Waterworks Museum - Hereford Celebrates it's 50th Anniversary in 2024.

Fifty years ago, a group of heritage enthusiasts founded the Waterworks Museum at the Hereford Victorian Pumping Station, built to supply clean water for Herefordshire. Now a thriving Museum, it has one of the country’s widest collections of pumping engines, including early beam and hot-air machines. Read the full story here https://www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/heritage-attraction-celebrates-50th-anniversary/

29/06/2024

28/06/2024

... and the morning view from under the canopy. A perfect way to start the day: in

PS the delicious pastries are from our local patisserie 'Loafers', only 5 minutes away, in our market town of

26/06/2024

As the 'town of festivals', Bromyard will certainly know how to make a special day. It all starts TONIGHT at the Conquest Theatre, with a Talk by Peter Weston on AL Lewis VC, organised by the Bromyard History Society.

25/06/2024

Breakfast under the station's canopy. It certainly feels summer is here!

22/06/2024

Stepping out on to the station's platform, unique stays

21/06/2024

Let the sunshine in: ready to enjoy some breakfast? or reading time under the canopy? or simply relax and enjoy the views and the birdsong.

10/06/2024

A lovely surprise: a common-spotted orchid sprung up on the front lawn of the station.

It has been seven years, this week, since we arrived to make this magical place our home, and a place for our guests to enjoy. The first time that we have spotted an orchid growing in front of the station's lounge window in all these years.

We had discovered wild orchids in other parts of the grounds, mostly in the fringes of our small wood on the green platform across the tracks.

Once we identified its spotty leaves, we put a stake to mark it so our friendly gardener would miss the orchid while giving the front lawn its regular mowing. Et voilá, a stunning pyramid of flowers!

06/06/2024

Coming up this weekend: June 8-9

01/06/2024

01/06/2024

Come and stay at a unique place with fabulous views and a station's canopy for outdoor relaxation.

29/05/2024

A great corner spot for reading, relaxing in our 'Saloon Coach'

27/05/2024

Under the canopy at the station, the perfect way to relax.

We wish all a lovely bank holiday Monday!

26/05/2024

Talking about ponds... All cycles of life are happening at the moment. We are totally hooked pond-watching (which we do in between all other jobs ).

Blue damselflies are using the stems to crawl up as larvae and slowly extend their bodies to transform. After drying up in the sun, suddenly with their transparent wings they flutter up often just for a short while in their maiden flight.

Below the surface, much larger dragonfly larvae are awaiting their time. It is dangerous territory with the newts patrolling the pond. To hide away, one climbed up onto a frogbit leaf to stay away from hungry mouths.

The newts are sooo busy laying eggs, they fold leaves of underwater plants safely around each egg. We have had to add plant material so to provide them with more egg laying opportunities _long leaves of the grasses are working well for this task.

Always intrigued how other creatures make use of the surface tension of the water. The last image shows a pond skater holding itself up, while at the same time, a pond snail seems to be doing the underwater opposite (aided by a bubble of air inside its shell).

If interested on all things pond life, the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust have pond dipping adventures to experience.

The Freshwater Habitats Trust has excellent guides on how to keep or restore ponds, and much about the wildlife within or the margins around that make good habitats for pond life.

19/05/2024

The 'Toad' GWR Brakevan is now sitting by the pond, at the southern end of Platform One. In need of much tender loving care, with structural repairs already on their way.

We weave the types of works in between the coming and going of guests so not to disrupt their enjoyment of the station while staying with us. Most though, are really interested in learning about this piece of British railway history which is very nice.

11/05/2024

A few images from our trip to the RHS Spring Malvern Show for some garden inspiration - the floral marquee, the show and school gardens, for plant and landscaping tips...and so much more.

We were happy to see the guys from 'Alchemy Gardens' answering questions at the showground's permanent garden. This Malvern-based landscaping firm has been great for us while in charge of the restoration of the cobbled stock area at our station's green platform.

As for the plants, so delighted to see tangerine, blues, pinks and whites all over the place.
Back at the station yesterday, it was lovely to share our finds with our guests!

The show continues today and tomorrow (Sat 11th& Sun 12th May)

10/05/2024

Spring blooms at last! It turns out all at Platform One (3 sets of guests and ourselves)_ we are all visiting the Spring Show over the weekend!

05/05/2024

On a lovely circular tour of Putley where the Big 🍎 Blossomtime festival is taking place this bank holiday weekend.
Three venues: Putley Hall, the beautiful Court Farm Barn at Aylton, with cider tastings , a great day out.
The Big Apple

05/05/2024

Rise and shine, Bromyard! It’s our favourite day – Market Day! Visit the lively scene at Bromyard Market, where the town’s heartbeat is echoed in every stall and smile.

🥖🎨 Take a leisurely walk among the stalls, chat with our cheerful sellers and pack your bags with the best of local produce, scrumptious goodies and handcrafted gems.

👪 Grab the gang and make it a day to cherish. Savour the tastes of home and cheer on all our local independent traders, with our quaint cafes and welcoming shops.

✨ We’re all set from 10am to 1pm to greet you, spread the word!

05/05/2024

All aboard! Yesterday, the Saloon Coach was ready again for our guests arriving for the week. What fabulous weather to start their unique stay!

May is a great time to visit us. The Blossom Time festival around Putley starts today, it is also market day in Bromyard. Throughout the Wye Valley numerous walks or canoe trips can be enjoyed, and so much more!

01/05/2024

🌼🌿 Get ready to dig into 🌿🌼

It's that time of year again when we celebrate the beauty and joy of gardening! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, there's something magical about getting your hands dirty and watching your garden come to life.

Why not take a stroll through some of Herefordshire's stunning gardens for inspiration? From vibrant floral displays to tranquil green spaces, there's no shortage of beauty to behold. And if you're looking for expert advice and top-quality plants, be sure to visit one of the many fantastic garden centres in the area, such as Newent Plant Centre, The Hop Pocket Garden Centre and Oakchurch Farm Shop.

🌱🌸 Check out some of the awesome Herefordshire gardens open for you to visit here https://www.eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/cat/gardens-herefordshire/ 🌱🌸🌿 and get inspired to garden with the RHS - Royal Horticultural Society here https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/national-gardening-week

Happy gardening! 🌱🌸

Brobury House & Gardens Stockton Bury Gardens The Laskett Gardens Westonbury Mill Water Gardens Hergest Croft Gardens Hellens Manor Hereford Cathedral

29/04/2024

Spring sunshine over our country railway station.
Stay somewhere different and discover this beautiful part of north Herefordshire.

29/04/2024

The appearance of bluebells in our ancient woods is a welcome sign Spring is in full swing. In the dappled shade of the woodland floor, these iconic flowers become a patchwork of light and dark blue with hints of violet. Did you know the UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebells!