Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited
Also known as: Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society Limited, Watercress Line
The Charity's objects are to preserve, restore, maintain, operate, exhibit, educate, instruct, stimulate, promote and encourage interest in heritage railways, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, artifacts and equipment and to foster and support railway preservation. It provides strategic direction to its subsidiary, Mid-Hants Railway Ltd, which operates the Watercress Line.
Activities & Mission
The Charity's objects are to preserve, restore, maintain, operate, exhibit, educate, instruct, stimulate, promote and encourage interest in heritage railways, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, artifacts and equipment and to foster and support railway preservation. It provides strategic direction to its subsidiary, Mid-Hants Railway Ltd, which operates the Watercress Line.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 6% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?
Higher than 3% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 1% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £3,658,953 | £3,811,954 | £292,135 | £6,465,384 | £0 | 44 / 750 |
| 2024 | £3,846,638 | £3,418,544 | £141,491 | £9,009,557 | £0 | 42 / 600 |
| 2023 | £3,914,320 | £4,911,080 | £936,448 | £8,547,276 | £0 | 44 / 450 |
| 2022 | £4,643,677 | £3,778,111 | £109,734 | £9,543,901 | £0 | 45 / 450 |
| 2021 | £3,102,562 | £2,708,740 | £100,818 | £8,674,562 | £0 | 45 / 450 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited
What does Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited do?
The Charity's objects are to preserve, restore, maintain, operate, exhibit, educate, instruct, stimulate, promote and encourage interest in heritage railways, locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, artifacts and equipment and to foster and support railway preservation. It provides strategic direction to its subsidiary, Mid-Hants Railway Ltd, which operates the Watercress Line.
How much income did Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited report in 2025?
Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited reported total income of £3.66m and reported expenditure of £3.81m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited?
Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited has a program ratio of 8.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 6% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited registered as a charity?
Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 25 May 1982 as charity number 284406. It has been registered for 44 years.
Who runs Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited?
Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited is governed by a board of 5 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited operate?
Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited operates across 5 areas, including Hampshire, Portsmouth City, Southampton City and 2 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited a registered charity?
Yes — Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 284406.
Details
HerItage Railway Trust Ltd
Alresford Station
Station Road
Alresford
SO24 9JG
Registry Information
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Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society Limited
- Watercress Line
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated