RESIDENTS across Droitwich and Bromsgrove are being urged to adopt a stretch of the Worcester to Birmingham Canal as part of a new scheme.
The project has been launched by The Canal and River Trust which wants local communities to play a bigger part in looking after the waterways on their doorstep by taking on up to a mile-long section.
It is part of the charity’s wider plans to ensure the Worcester to Birmingham and Droitwich Canals continue to thrive and do not fall into the state they were in during the mid-20th century when some sections were almost lost forever.
Adoption groups will work in partnership with the Trust to undertake tasks, such as improving wildlife habitats and access for local people or creating a linear veg-patch for the community. Each group works at least one day a month for 12 months and get to agree the projects they want to prioritise to make their mile matter.
The Trust has published an online map that showcases areas which have existing adoption groups and those which need support.
Richard Parry, Canal and River Trust chief executive, said local waterways, which had evolved from freight highways to linear parks in towns and cities, were just as important today as they have ever been.
“They are places for us all to escape – havens for both people and wildlife.
“But to make sure this valuable legacy thrives into the future, we need to capitalise on the huge pride people have in them and encourage groups to work alongside us to make it happen.
“We see how much a stretch of canal is improved if local people are helping us to look after it, that’s why we’ve set an ambitious target for people to show their love for their local canal.”
The adoption appeal has been backed by TV presenter and outdoor champion Julia Bradbury who said:
“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.”
There are already over 160 adoption groups working across the country, including scouts, neighbourhood societies, running groups and schools.
The aim is to get a quarter of the Canal and River Trust’s network (500 miles) adopted by 2025.
Joy Squires, who volunteers with a group which has already adopted a stretch of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, said her group had been going three years now and had 70 members with at least 20 of them working there on the last Saturday of the month.
“We get help from local resident groups to pick up litter and every three months we use the Canal and River Trust’s volunteer boat to help get to places we can’t reach from the towpath.”
The group also, with the Worcester, Birmingham and Droitwich Canal Society’s help, held a canal festival and is planning another one for next year.
Local experts lead wildlife walks, artists have been worked with to create murals and even a sculpture and future plans include working with other local organisations to improve the condition of the water for all the wildlife.
Visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/adopt-a-canal for more on the project and to see which stretches need adopting.
The Canal and River Trust also has more informal volunteer opportunities including volunteer lock keeping and drop-in volunteering sessions so anyone can get involved with caring for the waterways.
Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer for more information.
