Friends of
New England Rail Trail Membership
Join us
Become a Member
Anyone can join and become a member of Friends of New England Rail Trail (NERT). If you are a local community member or business owner, avid hiker, jogger or cyclist, nomadic caravanner or visitor, you are invited to support our cause. We currently have 180+ financial members and supporters who continue to show up to events in person, follow on social media or generally support with petition signatures, social interaction and good will. As a member you can have as much or as little input as you desire. Having your voice heard by Government decision makers will help justify the decisions around funding grant applications and ongoing Government support for the New England Rail Trail. If you are committed to a rail trail and want to help out; if you’re willing to put skin in the game to help us make it happen, then join up and add your name to the list of enthusiastic people already working to bring this project to life.
$2 One Time Joining Fee + $10/Year Membership Contribution
How is
My Membership Contribution Used?
Backed by local regional council, Mayors and other political people of importance, Friends of New England Rail Trail is an open community group working to raise support, so we have a trail for all our communities and future generations to come. Funds raised through membership goes towards holding events to promote the Rail Trail, printed collateral to raise awareness, maintenance of this website so we can get the word out and other promotional activities. The Friends of NERT is a 100% volunteer-run group of dedicated community members.
Already a member?
Invite Your Friends Along on the Ride
Share this page to your social media to spread the word and support the New England Rail Trail. Your ongoing support is much appreciated. If you can’t afford a membership, this is also a great way to support us for free.
Benefits of
Friends of NERT Membership
Benefits of being a member include:
- Stay informed via newsletters about the latest updates and progress of the Rail Trail project.
- Opportunities to engage in community events to highlight the Rail Trail and its positive impacts.
- Participate in fundraising activities to add value to the Rail Trail.
- Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about community development.
- Participate with new like-minded friends in outdoor activities including walking, cycling and more for a healthy lifestyle.
- Once our project of the New England Rail Trail is completed, members and family can enjoy the personal health benefits at the well-maintained recreation Rail Trail, knowing they had a hand in its creation.
- Future access to a safe, all-abilities access and traffic-free trail, enhanced by amenities, safety signage and informative historical landmarks to name a few.
- VIP tickets to opening celebration picnic!
Want to help more?
Donate to the Cause
If you’d like to make a donation, please head over to our Chuffed.org campaign.You can have your name forever commemorated on the trail as a pioneer supporter on the honour board, a brick paver or even etched onto a railway sleeper. If you’re a business, there’s a corporate option where you can be acknowledged by signage on the trail.
Testimonial for the
New England Rail Trail
Jenni Jackson
Member & Local Guyra
Pharmacist
Some years ago I was fortunate to ride the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand. The experience was a great way of being a part of the region for a few days. The conversations with the people carrying the luggage onto the next stop, the casual contact with the local farmers in the pubs and B&B’s that provide accommodation along the route add the colour to a truly immersive experience. I couldn’t help but think that the New England area with its altitude and beautiful autumn colors could offer a similar experience.
The Great Northern Rail line has not been used since November 1988. Using the easement for a Rail Trail is a modern repurposing of this public asset, without completely eliminating the remote chance of the trains coming back. It has been successfully done in a number of locations around the planet and the huge popularity of bike riding does ensure that it will become a significant destination tourism asset as well as a safe route for local bike riders and walkers to clock up a few kilometers in their legs.
The whole idea of adventure tourism is taking off around the world with people wanting a more immersive experience rather than letting the landscape passively pass by from a window of a car or bus.
The added health benefits to the many local cyclists and walkers that would use it on a regular basis are huge. As a pharmacist in the area I hear all too often about the impediments of cycling on our roads. A rail trail on a disused rail line would certainly solve these problems.
I do hope that one day (before I’m too old) I’ll be able to cycle The New England Rail Trail and indulge in some fine dining afterwards.
More questions?
Contact Us
We welcome correspondence from media outlets looking to feature the rail trail or individuals looking to get involved. For more information about memberships, corporate sponsorships and to see how you can help bring the New England Rail Trail to life, get in touch with us today.