Exeter Station Springs into life thanks to College Foundation learners
Community Gateway learners at Exeter College have teamed up with Great Western Railway to bring nature back to Exeter Central Station, transforming the busy city centre hub with three new planters filled with perennial flowers.
With the expert help of TV gardening star Toby Buckland, six learners planted a colourful mix of flowers and greenery, including Daffodils and Dwarf Daffodils, in November 2025.
The planting marks the start of an initiative by the College’s Foundation Learning and Inclusion faculty, which has seen learners on its Community Gateway course formally adopt Exeter Central Station. Working closely with Great Western Railway learners will support ongoing upkeep and seasonal planting, helping ensure the station remains a welcoming gateway for local people and visitors.
Great Western Railway’s Station Adoption programme sees community groups ‘adopt’ local stations and take part in projects such as gardening, general maintenance and displaying artwork that celebrates the area.
Exeter College’s Community Gateway learners said:
“The planting made us happy; it was challenging but fun, and it is good to be doing things outside. Planting with Toby was great because he taught us how to prepare the planters for flowers and how to plant the bulbs properly. It is nice to be helped by people who know things. It feels good to help the community.”
Sharon Sanderson, Programme Leader and Associate Lecturer at Exeter College, said:
“Our learners had a fantastic time bringing life to Exeter Central, and it’s wonderful to see the flowers blooming. It’s been a brilliant opportunity for them to make a difference to the station and local community, whilst building some great gardening skills, something they’ve all enjoyed.
“It was great for them to work alongside Toby and the team at Great Western Railway. It’s been a really rewarding experience, and they’re already looking forward to returning for the next stage of the project.”
Melanie Harvey, GWR’s Station Manager for Exeter Central, said:
“Seeing Exeter Central in bloom is fantastic and a real testament to what can be achieved through partnerships within our local communities.
“We’re hugely grateful to Toby Buckland for his support, and incredibly proud of Exeter College’s Foundation learners for their dedication. Station adoption brings communities together, brightens journeys, and creates welcoming spaces for everyone – benefiting both customers today and the environment for the future.”
Exeter College’s Community Gateway course is designed for adult learners aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan and helps them progress towards independence and improve their skills for work and life. It also sees them take part in volunteering, community projects and work experience.
