Beginning our journey in Lowestoft in this episode we head North to explore the chain of lines known as the Wherry Lines. Find out about the wild animals returning to nature and “The Switzerland of Norfolk”: a paradise garden that once attracted 60,000 visitors a year to a mystery location we’ll reveal!

We first stop off at the village of Somerleyton to hear about an innovative new project taking place in the grounds of Somerleyton Hall. Beginning with a rewilding scheme across the once manicured lawns, Lord Somerleyton explains his vision of returning swathes of East Anglia to a natural state through the WildEast project.

Find out about the history of the Broads landscape as well as how life, trade and tourism here has evolved through the centuries when we talk to Nicola from the Museum of the Broads.

We take a special journey with magnificent marshland views on the quiet stretch of track that connects the two Wherry Lines Branches. Overseen by the beautiful Berney Arms Windmill, train travellers can disembark to explore the landscape here. Beneath this serene exterior work is going to juggle humans and nature though! Mark is a site manager for the RSPB reserve at Berney Marshes and Breydon Water. He explains the careful balance of preserving delicate wildlife habitats, welcoming walkers and a managing a thriving rural economy.

In Great Yarmouth,tour guide Becci gives us a surprising insight into the rich naval history underpinning this seaside gem. A local herself, she tells us about Yarmouth’s fondness for a festival and shares a few of her favourite facts and hints at the dark side of the town’s history, from witch trials to signing the death warrant for Charles I.

Our last stopoff on the way into Norwich is at Brundall Gardens where station adopter Greg and Chloe from the local history group join us to share stories of local life. Chloe explains the archive project helping locals retrace their roots, and tells the tale of the visionaries that once built an enormous paradise garden here. Greg keeps the station special to this day in honour of this area’s legacy.

Lives on the Lines is created on behalf of the Community Rail Partnerships with Greater Anglia.

Presented and produced by Katharine Kerr for Fresh Air Production.

Explore the Wherry Lines at https://wherrylines.com

@WherryLines

And explore travel with Greater Anglia at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk

@greateranglia

Somerleyton Hall: https://www.somerleyton.co.uk

@SomerleytonHall

Wild East https://www.wildeast.co.uk

@WildEastUK

Museum of the Broads in Stalham https://www.museumofthebroads.org.uk

@MuseumBroads

RSPB Berney Marshes and Breyon Water: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/berney-marshes-breydon-water/

@Natures_Voice

Berney Arms Windmill https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berney-arms-windmill/

@EnglishHeritage

Great Yarmouth Tourism https://www.great-yarmouth.co.uk/visitor-info/tourist-information-centre.aspx

@GreaterYarmouth

Brundall Gardens Local History Group www.brundallvillagehistory.org.uk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a famous Anglo-Saxon rebel fighter, to slippery eels and a dancing bear,there’s plenty to explore along Greater Anglia’s Hereward Line.

In the first episode of Lives on the Lines, the adventure begins with a railway journey across the Cambridgeshire fens. Starting in historic Peterborough, local history buff Trevor explains how generations worked to build the epic cathedral here, and what it means to be a true Peterborian.

Travelling along the Hereward Line we stop at Whittlesea to meet Geoff, a passionate fenland runner, former maths teacher and station adopter, before Brian Kell BEM explains how he revived a lost folk tradition that sees thousands of people take to the streets here every year.

We chat to Steve, a born and bred Manea man about life in this fenland village, and explore the epic engineering history that crafted this incredible landscape and wildlife hotspot.

Our journey concludes in the cathedral city of Ely where local guide Nora Gardner takes us on a journey through time with her favourite local spots. She explains the weird and wonderful uses eels have had for people here through time and the city’s connection to Hereward the Wake – a rebel leader who held out against William the Conqueror long after the Norman Conquest!

Lives on the Lines is created on behalf of the Community Rail Partnerships with Greater Anglia.

Presented and produced by Katharine Kerr for Fresh Air Production.

You can explore travel along the Hereward Line and find out more about the Hereward Community Rail Partnership at https://herewardcrp.org

And explore travel with Greater Anglia at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk

@greateranglia

Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival http://www.strawbear.org.uk

@StrawBearFest

Peterborough Local History Society https://peterboroughlocalhistorysociety.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/discoveringlocalhistory

Ely Tourist Information https://www.visitely.org.uk

@visitely

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What unites romantic sea mists, Green Men, haunting musical scores and Anglo-Saxon Kings?

It’s Greater Anglia’s East Suffolk Lines! Get comfy for a tour through one of England’s most magical and diverse landscapes by train.

From Felixstowe pass through Ipswich and on to Melton, a rural spot on the River Deben over which Sutton Hoo presides. Excavations at this burial ground revolutionised our understanding of history, giving a precious insight into the beliefs, rituals and society of the Anglo-Saxons. The National Trust’s Archaeology and Engagement Manager Laura explains some of the incredible learnings from this site.

The line wends its way through magical, musical landscapes: home to the music of Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh Festival and vibrant market towns. We stop off to meet local artist Michael Bullen in Walberswick and hear how he’s been inspired by the ebb and flow of quayside life.

In Halesworth, local historian Dave treats us to a tour around town. Often missed by tourists visiting by road, this hidden gem is a cornucopia of history, from its station house museum to traditional high street and gorgeous buildings. Dave shares some of Halesworth’s secrets including tales of a cheeky fox, incredible architecture, Green Men and wartime trysts in Crinkle Crankle Walls!

For our final leg of the journey we’re joined by Trevor, who’s lived and worked along this line for most of his life. He explains how life and opportunity has changed here, from the days of steam to modern day tourism, education and work. Trevor guides us to Lowestoft where the newly refurbished station buildings are home to a fantastic Tourist Office where he volunteers – a great starting point for an adventure by the sea!

Spoiler alert: this episode features ice cream.

Lives on the Lines is created on behalf of the Community Rail Partnerships with Greater Anglia.

Presented and produced by Katharine Kerr for Fresh Air Production.

Explore the East Suffolk Lines at https://eastsuffolklines.co.uk

https://eastsuffolklines.co.uk/community-rail-partnership

@eastsuffolkline

And explore travel with Greater Anglia at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk

@greateranglia

Find out about National Trust Sutton Hoo https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

@NT_SuttonHoo

Halesworth and District Museum https://www.halesworthmuseum.org.uk

@HalesworthM

Explore Halesworth https://www.halesworth.net

East Suffolk Travel Association http://www.eastsuffolktravel.org.uk

Discover Lowestoft https://www.discoverlowestoft.co.uk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.