Combined efforts in the past year on of David Bennet and John Wingham from Brockenhurst Friends with Alastair Smith of Sway Station Friends have created a “Ride and Stride” walk between Sway and Brockenhurst. For local people, but especially for visitors, the idea of travelling just one station down the line and then walking back is a really excellent way to get to know the area – a fine way to spend a couple of hours “earning” a refreshment or lunch on one of the local pubs!

The walk is straightforward allowing folks to enjoy the views and the forest environment.” The leaflet gives some simple tips on local wildlife and the history of local stations and railway. The New Forest Community Rail Partnership funded the printing costs for these leaflets.

In February 2022 the friends and Community said farewell to Tony Smith, Sway’s long-time station manager, wishing him well in retirement with gifts from the Parish Council and station friends along with numerous personal good wishes from Sway’s regular travellers. While the station is covered presently, we shall have to await the outcome of national discussions on the staffing of stations and ticket offices before we know what the longer-term plan will be for managing Sway – and other similar smaller stations.