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Friday 7 Jul 2023

WATCH NOW: Network Rail teams up with Wales-based production company to promote railway safety

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

A special episode of the online YouTube children’s series ‘Badger’s Wood’ has been released to promote railway safety in partnership with British Transport Police Cymru.  

The one-off episode, titled ‘Railway Danger,’ depicts Inspector Badger and his trusty sidekick, Sergeant Squirrel, stop nearby rabbits from trespassing on the railway after they lose their football.  

The furry heroes arrive just in time to prevent a serious incident from happening in Badger’s Wood and then promptly educate the young rabbits on railway safety - ‘It is very dangerous for anyone to be playing near or on a railway line’ can be heard being said by Inspector Badger.  

‘Railway Danger’ was produced exclusively for Network Rail and British Transport Police to help promote railway safety awareness following Railway Safety Week 2023 - an industry wide and industry led initiative focusing on rail safety for all and aims to bring rail safety to the forefront of people’s minds across a dedicated week; keeping safety firmly in the spotlight and sharing ideas and best practice across industry colleagues.  

The show is produced by Walters & Jones Productions Ltd, a small independent production company based in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The series is shot entirely on location in the woods and fields around Barry using glove puppets and other props.  

Mark Jones, the series’ co-creator, has been involved with children’s TV since the early 1980s and learnt script writing from Gerry Anderson (Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet, etc). Mark has written more than 50 children’s books and created ‘Time To Sleep Stories.’  

Network Rail and British Transport Police teamed up with Mark for the railway education episode following two special episodes of Badger’s Wood for the South Wales Police Schools Education Unit on anti-social behaviour and how to dial 999 in an emergency.  

Watch ‘Railway Danger’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEqUb59OpAc 

Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders route, said: “Rail safety is a priority for us in Network Rail. We are always looking for new ways to reach as many people as possible when promoting railway safety.  

“There is a lot of creative talent in Wales, and we are so pleased to be working with Walters & Jones Productions Ltd to help us reach children and parents to further raise awareness and continue to educate on this important issue.   

“Thank you, Inspector Badger and Sergeant Squirrel. Great job!”  

Superintendent Andy Morgan for British Transport Police in Wales said: “The dangers of the rail network are very real and can result in life-changing injuries and, in some cases, can result in death.  A stark reality, but a reality none the less. 

“Changes in train timetables, unexpected freight trains, trains that are quieter and faster than ever before and the increasing electrification of hundreds of miles of track makes for a very dangerous place to be. The tracks are for trains and not for people, so please stay off them! 

“We know that educating people at a young age is the best way to highlight these dangers and to help reduce the number of young people either playing near the rail network or even partaking in illegal trespassing.”  

Mark Jones, co-founder of Walters & Jones Productions Ltd, added: “As the producer of Badger’s Wood, I was delighted to be approached by Network Rail to use our characters to emphasise the importance of safety and raise awareness about the dangers of children playing on or near railway lines. 

Our special episode, ‘Railway Danger’, will hopefully entertain, educate and ultimately protect young viewers.”  

Kellyann Jones, community safety manager at Network Rail Wales & Borders, added: “This is a fantastic and innovative way of reaching out to our younger railway users and children who live near the railway on the importance of behaviour and safety when in and around our infrastructure. 

“Railway safety not only ensures the general wellbeing of the public, but also prevents delays, disruption and aids in the running of a reliable railway for passengers.”