30 April 2026 •
Local rail operator c2c Railway, in partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust, has today unveiled a striking new rabbit mural at a special launch event at Laindon station.
c2c and Essex Wildlife Trust have today unveiled a new and striking rabbit mural at Laindon station, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two organisations, while raising awareness of the nearby Langdon Nature Discovery Park.
The artwork is inspired by an award-winning photograph taken by Vai Meng Chan, and the mural was brought to life by the talented and widely respected artist Dave “Gnasher” Nash. The partnership also supports a new wellbeing walks programme at Langdon Nature Discovery Park, a concept developed at the recent c2c Stakeholder Conference and delivered in collaboration with Basildon Mind.
You can watch our special timelapse film of the artist creating the mural below.
Speaking at today’s unveiling, c2c’s Asset and Property Director, Donna Thorpe, said:
“I am delighted to unveil this wonderful new mural, which has been created in partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust.
“In addition to bringing a touch of local nature and community spirit to the heart of Laindon station, the mural also demonstrates c2c’s ongoing commitment to our partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust and the important work they undertake to protect and promote local wildlife and green spaces.”
Titled ‘Run Rabbit Run’, the mural captures a rabbit bathed in sunset lighting and is based on Vai Meng Chan’s photograph, which won the Essex Wildlife Photography Competition 2025.
Donna added:
“The mural is based on a photograph captured just a few miles from here in Romford. It provides a fitting reminder and a celebration of the wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds us.
“I would like to thank Vai for taking and allowing us to use his photograph, and Gnasher for recreating it so spectacularly here at Laindon for everyone to enjoy.”
Justine Addison, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to c2c for their ongoing partnership and their generous support of a new wellbeing walks programme running at Langdon Nature Discovery Park, in collaboration with Basildon Mind.
“These free guided walks with a Ranger and an experienced Counsellor take place on the fourth Saturday of every month, starting at 10am, with a 60-minute walk followed by refreshments in the Nature Discovery Centre.
“The wonderful mural and these monthly events will help more people connect with nature, connect with others, and improve their health and wellbeing.”
Richard Holden MP (Basildon & Billericay), who also joined for the unveiling, said:
“I absolutely love the new mural sponsored by c2c and Essex Wildlife Trust – it’s a fantastic addition to the station.
“It brings a welcome splash of colour and really brightens up the area, while also reminding people in Laindon and Langdon Hills of the wealth of wildlife and wellbeing activities just a short walk from the station.
“Congratulations to c2c, Essex Wildlife Trust, Vai Meng Chan and Gnasher for making this happen.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About Essex Wildlife Trust
- Essex Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature.
- The Trust manages nature reserves and discovery parks across the county, providing outstanding outdoor learning and preserving places of wonder. Founded in 1959 by volunteers, Essex Wildlife Trust protects and manages over 100 sites across Essex and is supported by 40,000 members. Together, they work together to protect the future of wildlife and nature in Essex.
About DFTO
- DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains (London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway).
- DFTO runs more than 8,500 services each weekday and delivers more than 660 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
- Featured Image – Dave “Gnasher” Nash completes the Laindon mural
- Pic 2 – Vai Meng Chan in front of the mural with his original photo.
- Pic 3 – Vai Meng Chan shares his award-winning photo with c2c’s Donna Thorpe and Richard Holden MP.
- Pic 4 Grant Maton (EWT), Richard Holden MP, Donna Thorpe and Vai Meng Chan unveil “Run Rabbit Run” at Laindon station