Canal clean up will help wildlife flourish
WATER shrews, crayfish and dragonfly will benefit from a 12-month project to clean up the Ashby Canal.
The stretch, which runs through the borough, will see work as part of the Making Special Places for Nature initiative from the Canal and River Trust.
Just 10 key sites across the country have been earmarked for the project which aims to provide enhanced environments for flora and fauna and so offer wider opportunities for communities to enjoy wildlife.
Hinckley people are also encouraged to roll up their sleeves and help ensure the success of project, which for the Ashby Canal, will involve reducing the amount of silt in the water.
The Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and 63 SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), is appealing for volunteers.
Canal and River Trust ecologist Stuart Moodie said: “The Eurasian water shrew and white clawed crayfish are among a wide range of indigenous species which need an extra helping hand.
“Their natural habitats are threatened by run-off from agricultural fertilisers and invasive plants and animals.
“Increasing the growth of aquatic plants helps encourage insects and invertebrates which in turn promotes healthy populations of fish and small mammals.
“Biodiversity is the key to a flourishing waterway.
“Getting local people involved in managing these reserves is a key priority.
“We would appeal to anyone who wants to get in touch with nature and play an important role in conserving their local area to contact us.
“This is a genuine chance to make a real difference.”
The project has been made possible thanks to a £350,000 award from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“It will also assess the health and populations of various rare species including the shy water shrew, which was last subject to a national survey more than a decade ago.
For more information or to become a ‘friend’ or volunteer with the Canal and River Trust, check out the website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk or ring 0303 040 4040.