Poppleton Community Railway Nursery is the UK’s last surviving nursery railway.
It is located close to the railway station in Upper Poppleton, near York, and is operated by a charitable group as a not-for-profit organisation. It is staffed almost entirely by volunteers.
The nursery grows plants for public sale, produces hanging baskets to order and, in the run-up to Christmas, sells seasonal items such as wreaths. Other sales include a range of craft items, jewellery, cards, decorations for the home and a variety of turned woodwork items.
The nursery is unique in having a narrow gauge railway within its site, originally constructed for moving plants and compost but now operated as an attraction in its own right.
The nursery has a partnership with health agencies in the York area which have long found horticulture to be therapeutic for adults recovering from mental health issues. For these volunteers the benefits of working at the nursery include improvements in confidence and self-esteem, through working alongside different people, and the opportunity to make new friends and build new relationships. It also helps people to learn about aspects of growing plants plus some simple DIY skills. These experiences all contribute to enhancing future career prospects.
Full details about the nursery, including its unusual history and railway links, can be found on this website.
The nursery is open for sales on Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays from 10am - 3pm
For the latest Marketing Newsletter or general enquiries please email
A pdf download of the Sales and Open Day dates is available.
Please contact us if you would like to enquire further. We will be delighted to hear from you!
Better still, come and visit us!
Latest News
The nursery will close at 4 pm on Friday 20 December and reopen at 9.30 am on Monday 6 January.
Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2025 to all our supporters.