Clearing fallen trees from the canal bank
THE Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers have been busy clearing fallen trees from the canal below Dungebooth Lock and the viaduct woodland where a few trees had been blown down in the gales.
These have been treated respectfully, moved for safety reasons and used to continue to support wildlife. Ecologically leaving the trees to now sit in varying sized building blocks will provide homes for birds, bees, a whole range of other precious wildlife and potentially trees of the future.
After a few hours of chopping, sawing and lots of elbow grease, the team made good progress cutting up the fallen trees into manageable lengths and displacing them safely in nearby areas.
A different focus saw volunteers working with the Canal & River Trust to replace a rotten gate and supporting posts along the canalside; the gate was beyond repair and redundant as there is another gate nearby. They removed the old posts at ground level, chiselled out the rotten wood from the hole in the ground, concreted in new pre-treated timber posts and fitted timber rails. The work party’s final task included continuing to clear fallen leaves along the canal path, tidying flower beds and litter picking.
Future work party dates are: Saturday April 23, Thursday May 12, Saturday May 28, Thursday June 9 and Saturday June 25.
UCAN work parties usually meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate Street, by the canal bridge, at 10am but sometimes this varies so UCAN will confirm this nearer to each of the above dates. As usual, all equipment will be provided by the Canal & River Trust.
New volunteers are welcome and anyone who would like further information can contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com