Make the most of the countryside peace

SO AN international pandemic has startled many people into appreciating the beauty of our country and abundance of what it has to offer, but for those of you already aware, there’s the opportunity to heave a sigh of relief and joy at the peace within the countryside and the opportunity, albeit shortlived, it has been given to repair itself.

Life on the canals came to an abrupt halt but… oh boy! Just take in the way nature has flourished in abundance since the towpaths have been allowed to burst into action in the way only they know – the wide variety of grasses, flowers, seeds and the occasional rehomed plant from a boaters’ garden box.

The variety of butterflies is quite astonishing as are dragonflies, insects, toads and for me, the surprise of snakes and great crested newts in the waterside foliage.

So very often now, with the lack of traffic and airplanes, silence is deafening but a riot of birdsong offers tranquillity and a new dimension to what we have, but of which we have previously been unaware.

So come on boaters, embrace the moment! If you are one of those who insist on the towpaths being mown to an inch of their being just for the convenience to you when mooring up… or just walking along… please think again… the countryside is not neat and tidy… It is a riot of chaotic life, colour, scents and natural beauty, there for our pleasure and respect… and it is all free! Let’s all learn from this.

And just supposing towpaths are not mown… think of the millions of pounds that could better utilised elsewhere by the Canal & River Trust – the mind boggles!

Happy days to you all!