19 September 2024 •
Local rail operator Trenitalia c2c has partnered with Essex Wildlife Trust to celebrate World Car Free Day 2024 this Sunday (22 September), encouraging locals to trade the car for the train for a day out in the countryside.
As the greenest form of transport, c2c is encouraging locals to visit one of the charity’s nature parks by train this weekend to mark the day. With the average train journey putting five times less carbon emissions into the air, on average, this simple swap can help people significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Offering another reason to get out on the route this Sunday, through the rail operator’s partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust, c2c customers can get 50% off a hot drink at the Trust’s nature discovery parks when travelling by train on World Car Free Day. All passengers have to do is present their train tickets at participating park cafes to get the discount.
c2c’s Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said, “We are delighted to partner with Essex Wildlife Trust for World Car Free Day 2024. The environmental benefits that come with rail travel vs the car are there for all to see and we are committed to achieving our Net Zero plan, as well as preserving the wildlife and countryside that make our route so beautiful.
“I encourage everybody to jump on the train this World Car Free Day and see the amazing countryside that the Essex Wildlife Trust works so tirelessly to preserve, while doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions and help us reach Net Zero,” he added.
Did you know that if every one of the 42.3 million driving license holders in Britain were to swap one return car journey with the average return rail journey, this would save 239,064 tonnes of CO2e, which is the equivalent of 3.25 million people recycling for a year – the population of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Peterborough combined, according to statistics from the RDG (Rail Delivery Group).
Across Essex, the Trust has many amazing things to see, such as the Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre in Leigh-on-sea, which is a great place to learn about Essex’s ancient woodlands and serves as the gateway to Daws Heath Woodland. As well as Thameside Nature Discovery Park, which offers superb views over Mucking Flats and the Thames Estuary and 120 acres of nature park, where people can happily birdwatch, insect watch and ship watch – all on the same day!
Joe Benton, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, said, “We are pleased to be working with c2c on this campaign for World Car Free Day. We encourage all those that can do so to travel more sustainably by walking, cycling and using public transport where possible to help the environment.
“Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserves are free to visit, so this is a great chance to get out in nature and explore one of our sites. We look forward to welcoming those travelling with c2c to our Nature Discovery Centres,” he added.
ENDS