Uppermill volunteers keep busy along the towpath

RECENT activities of the Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) began with a focus on the area between Moorgate Street and Wade Lock clearing vegetation, mainly nettles, from the side of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath.

The next outing concentrated on balsam bashing to attack the Himalayan balsam which had virtually taken over the woodland area near the viaduct.

For other areas of work, UCAN volunteers were joined by two Canal & River Trust (CRT) staff who were busy painting the mooring bollards and lock metalwork which now look rather splendid as a result.

Other activities included a focus on the pond the group created over the last year or so. Great news to report here as the pond is now home to a super range of wildlife including, for example, pond skaters and the plants placed in and alongside the pond – water lilies, iris, mint and duckweed – are also doing well.

The work party has also spent a little time with the various flower beds by the canal which members always like to tend around the autumn to give the beds a thorough tidy before the colder weather sets in. They are in fine shape but just a little overgrown with a few fallen leaves which are kept to provide shelter for wildlife.

Final activity was litter-picking; it’s really gratifying to see the collective effort really does have a visible effect.

Forthcoming work party dates are November 11, 27 and December 9. UCAN is always pleased to welcome new volunteers; for further information contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361, email peterkillan@hotmail.com