Lichfield MP helps plant saplings
LICHFIELD MP Michael Fabricant joined Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust volunteers planting 420 saplings at Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands.
The saplings had been received from the Woodland Trust, which gives away hundreds of thousands of trees to community groups each year.
The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust volunteers planted the new hedgerow trees along the newly created canal channel on Falkland Road and within the Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands.
Mr Fabricant, who is also a patron of the trust, helped plant one of the saplings donated by the Woodland Trust and added a plaque to acknowledge the donation.
Mr Fabricant said: “The Fosseway Nature Reserve and Wetlands demonstrate the varied use of canals.
“They are used not only by boaters, but also by people taking exercise or a stroll along the towpath and by the wildlife living in and alongside the canal.
“I was proud to help on the day by planting one of the saplings and screwing on a Woodland Trust plaque made by the 7th Lichfield Scouts.
“The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals will open up access to the canal system in the Black Country and will provide an economic boost to the area when it is completed.”
Christine Bull, chairman of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, said: “We planted more than 420 hedging plants and saplings which we had received free from the Woodland Trust. Since 2015 we have received more than 2000 saplings from the Woodland Trust so we are indebted to them for allowing us to make the environment better for wildlife and the community.
“This planting session was carried out by our Saturday team, which includes about 10 young volunteers carrying out their Duke of Edinburgh award and 10 ‘recycled teenagers’.
“So, not only do we thank the Woodland Trust, but our volunteers and all of our supporters.”