Council recognised for green travel initiative

Staff at Exeter City Council are celebrating after receiving Highly Commended at the Exeter Sustainability Awards. 

The Council team was recognised in the Medium-Sized Business category for its collaborative work with Great Western Railway (GWR) and other city-wide partners on a project designed to encourage residents to leave their cars at home and travel by train to access Exeter’s green spaces. 

As part of the initiative, new maps and signage were designed and installed at key city centre railway stations, including Marsh Barton, St Davids and Polsloe Bridge. These were used to help rail users easily find their way to nearby green spaces via the Green Circle — a walking route that circles the city. 

Other stakeholders involved in the work included Devon County Council, Devon Wildlife Trust and the University of Exeter.  

Cllr Duncan Wood, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Healthy Living, who accepted the award on behalf of the project team said the achievement reflected the commitment the Council has to collaborate with other organisations across the city.  

He said: “This programme of work was delivered in just a few short weeks last summer, and reflects real dedication on behalf of Council officers and other organisations, who all pulled together to create a legacy that will make it easier for people to leave their car at home and use the train to enjoy some of the beautiful green spaces that exist in Exeter. 

“I’m so pleased that the team has been recognised for this hard work.” 

The project team consisted of officers from the Council’s Net Zero team, the Engineering team and the Sport England supported Live and Move team.  

Further information about this work can be found at: The train is the perfect way to access Exeter’s stunning Green Circle - Live and Move