Exeter Canal bank clearing event
The newly formed Friends of Exeter Ship Canal will be getting down to work on Saturday 21 January 2017 cutting back unwanted willows and brambles from the canal banks.
A volunteer work party will don gloves, gauntlets and layers of warm clothing, and clear about 150 metres along the right hand bank going down the towpath from Salmon Pool swing bridge towards Double Locks.
Mike Grayshan, volunteer co-ordinator for the Canal Friends, said, “Many willow saplings are sprouting that if allowed to get any bigger will threaten the banks with erosion. Anyone who walks, runs or cycles along the towpaths will know what a nuisance overgrown brambles can be.
“We are expecting about a dozen volunteers for our first work party. Safety equipment is being provided as well as the necessary tools although volunteers are also invited to bring their own. During the coming year we will be taking on more projects in consultation with the council’s waterways team,” he added.
The Friends of Exeter Ship Canal were formed less than a year ago and already have a growing membership. John Monks, the group’s chair, explained: “The canal is greatly appreciated as part of the city’s heritage. We believe that it has a great future as an active waterway with more boats using it in addition to the present recreational enjoyment it provides.
“The question of a secure future, financially and environmentally, for the canal is very important. Our aims are to organise activities and encourage participation and volunteering through work parties, talks, cruises, and fundraising for projects that will enhance the canal and its use,” he said.
Since the Canal Friends were formed Exeter Sea Cadets, who use the canal, have provided support. Exeter City Council has welcomed the establishment of the volunteer group.
The Canal Friends website is at www.friendsofexetershipcanal.co.uk where there are details of how to join and plans for future activities will be posted.
Membership is open to everyone who values and loves the waterway.
© Copyright Derek Harper and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
