The PRESERVED LINES series explores the heritage railway lines that are restored and operated by passionate volunteers. The Bluebell Railway runs along the border of East and West Sussex, and was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway. 

Up and down the country, there are over a hundred heritage railway lines mostly funded and financed by volunteers. Each lovingly restores and operates locomotives, carriages and rolling stock to pristine condition from the past. Preserved Lines traces the history of each line from its BR demise to the present day each episode visits a specific heritage railway line offering an insight into the considerable efforts necessary to keep that heritage railway operating. These railways are brought to life with these brand new programmes that are filmed in High Definition. 

The Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has preserved for posterity a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.