In September 2024, Wigan Council announced plans to invest £380k to get the popular woodland railway back on track, since its temporary closure in 2020.
The railway, which first opened in 1986, takes a 1.6k route through the upper plantation woodlands, stopping at two stations. Work has started and part will be running by 2027.
Investment from Wigan Council to restore the railway has enabled necessary engineering and drainage work to take place, and new track and sleepers to be laid.
Two of the much loved carriages from the railway have been fully restored, tested and had a fresh lick of paint.
Work has been carried out in part by the dedicated woodland railway volunteers who spend time transforming the railway each week.
If you would like to volunteer, please visit Volunteer at Haigh (external link).