A new Oxfordshire Black History Map has been launched to support inclusive local discovery while encouraging more sustainable travel across the county.
Created by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP) in collaboration with Black Ark Media, the resource highlights 15 historic and cultural points of interest connected to eight railway stations.
The initiative aims to make underrepresented histories more visible while promoting journeys by rail, bus and active travel.
The map positions stations as gateways to exploring Oxfordshire’s diverse stories, linking heritage with accessible, low-carbon transport options. It has been designed for both residents and visitors, encouraging people to discover new places across the county while engaging with its cultural history.
Alayne McDonald, Community Rail Development Manager at OxCRP, said:
“Our new Black History Map supports local people and visitors to use stations as gateways to discovery. By inviting people to explore the county’s rich and diverse stories by rail, the map supports greater cultural understanding while promoting active and sustainable travel.
“We are grateful to the local community groups, institutions, historical societies and individuals who have helped us to highlight underrepresented local histories linked to rail.’”
For Black Ark Media, the project focuses on improving visibility and access to stories that have long been part of the county’s heritage. Derrick McLean, Director, said:
“This is about visibility and understanding. The stories on this map have always been part of Oxfordshire, but they have not always been easy to find. Linking them to stations invites people to travel with curiosity and see the county through a fuller lens.”
The project has been supported by funding from Great Western Railway, which continues to back initiatives that connect communities with the rail network while promoting sustainable travel.
Emma Morris, Senior Community Impact Manager at Great Western Railway, added:
“We’re proud to support projects that have a positive and meaningful impact for our customers and our communities. The new Oxfordshire Black History Map helps people connect rail travel with learning and local discovery.
“By making onward journeys clearer and encouraging exploration by sustainable transport, projects like this help communities and visitors to get more out of the railway.”
The Oxfordshire Black History Map is available to view and download via the OxCRP website, alongside a wider collection of leisure trails designed to encourage exploration across the region.
