'Adopt a canal call' to Shropshire people
Communities in Shropshire are being encouraged to adopt one-mile stretches of canals by the organisation which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across the country.
The Canal & River Trust has published an online map of areas in need of support – including stretches of the Llangollen, Montgomery and Shropshire Union Canal.
The trust has joined up with former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury to help boost the profile of its project which aims to have one quarter of its canals adopted by local people.
Julia said: “Two hundred years ago, canals helped to transform the face of Britain, bringing about unprecedented change to our economy and society.
“The legacy we have today is amongst the finest examples of industrial heritage in the world, yet the biggest threat our waterways face is apathy.
“Last century it was pioneering volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help save the waterways from being lost forever.
“And today when I’m out exploring and taking in the waterways I’ve seen what a difference it makes when local communities come together and make their stretch come to life.
“I’d encourage anyone with a community spirit and a bit of time to spare to see how they can get involved.”
Across the country, 170 sections of waterways have been adopted by community groups and the Canal & River Trust is aiming to boost this to 500 by 2025.
Some stretches of canal in the region are already looked after by groups and organisations.
At Lock 15, on the Audlem flight near Market Drayton, an adoption scheme was set up between the trust and a local community sustainability group – Lock 15 Gardeners Group.
The aim was that the volunteer group would garden an area beside the lock using ecological methods whilst enhancing the area as a welcome point for visitors to Audlem.
Last year, Gnosall Parish Council, supported by the Best Kept Village Group, agreed to adopt a length of canal on behalf of the village, near Newport.
It works on the Shropshire Union Canal covering the length from Cowley Tunnel south of Gnosall to Bridge 36 to the north of the village.
Richard Parry, chief executive of the trust, said: “Volunteering on the canals is a win-win for everyone.
“The love for the outdoors is very much alive across the nation, but there aren’t always easy opportunities to get stuck in.
“Waiting lists for allotments are testament to this, or the number of people who would love a garden but aren’t able to get one.
“Even outdoor volunteering experiences can be in short supply in some areas.
“We think our adoptions could provide an answer, benefitting you, the waterway and the community.”
For more information visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer/adopt-a-canal
