This week saw the annual Merseyrail in Bloom Reception take place at the iconic Liver Buildings – an event to honour the exceptional efforts of station volunteers, station adoptees and local community groups who have transformed stations across the city region rail network into vibrant, welcoming community spaces.

The scheme, launched by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram just twelve months ago, has already seen significant improvement at stations across the city region rail network, including 0.6 hectares of new woodland being planted by local school children, as part of a partnership with The Mersey Forest.

For the first time, the event also saw the presentation of Merseyrail in Bloom accreditations, with volunteer groups receiving Bronze, Silver, Gold, and even Platinum recognition for their outstanding contributions.

While flowers and planting remain a key part of the initiative, it is about much more than horticulture. It celebrates community art, engagement with local children, and collaborative projects that bring people together and reflect the unique character of each station and its surrounding areas.

From striking murals and creative installations to youth-led projects and environmental improvements, volunteers have made a lasting impact, not just on the stations themselves, but on the rail users and staff who use them every day.

Councillor Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:

“As the Mayor shared so passionately last year, Merseyrail in Bloom is about celebrating the pride we all have in the stations at the heart of our communities and inspiring local people to make those shared spaces more welcoming, engaging, and reflective of the region we call home.

“We are thrilled by the incredible progress made over the past 12 months, from striking new art installations and flourishing flower displays to tree planting and youth engagement. It’s been truly uplifting to see communities across the City Region and beyond turn our stations into places that not only connect people, but also inspire them.”

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, who presented the accreditations said:

“Our station volunteers play an invaluable role across the rail network, and we’re deeply grateful for their dedication. Their efforts help create a positive experience for our customers and colleagues and offer a fantastic opportunity for communities to showcase pride in their local stations and in the Liverpool City Region as a whole.”

“This event was a heartfelt way to say thank you, celebrate their contributions, and ensure they continue receiving support in the years to come. We’re always eager to welcome more green-thumbed and creative volunteers to get involved and help brighten their local stations”