Canal Towpath

On 19th February a small group of volunteers braved the cold and wet conditions at Enfield Changeline Bridge No 114A on the Leeds Liverpool Canal.  In particular we were tackling shrubs and litter near the Enfield Wharf, Blackburn Road entrance.  This historic location is used by walkers and cyclists visiting the area and by local people for leisure activities and to commute to work, schools and shops that can be easily accessed from Whalley Road bridge a short distance along the canal.  The volunteer day is part of PROSPECTS partnership with the Canal and River Trust and is supported by funding from the Lottery Community Fund for Empowering Community Change in Hyndburn.  The funding is to improve the places and spaces that matter to communities.  More volunteers are needed to join us when we return to Enfield Wharf or tackle other areas of the canal towpath across Hyndburn.

The partnership between the Canal and River Trust and The PROSPECTS Foundation is proving a huge success.

Barbara Sharples, Activity Organiser at PROSPECTS explained, “In just three months the Volunteer Workparty has made a real difference.  We have cleared an overgrown bed near the Canal Café at Rishton and planted it with cottage herbaceous plants to attract butterflies and bees, uncovered a set of steps and the picnic area at Tottleworth Bridge entrance, cleaned up cobbled areas and exposed towpath edges, cleared a lot of vegetation to improve the towpath for walkers and cyclists in Clayton-le-Moors where we also removed a huge amount of ivy from a boundary wall.  The PROSPECTS Foundation is pleased to be working alongside the Canal and River Trust during our 21^st Anniversary year.”

“We meet at 10am on the first and third Wednesday of every month and people turn up and stay for as long as they can.  We aim to finish around 2pm and have a 20 minute lunch break.  Towpath works is ideal if you want to volunteer on your local canal, but need the flexibility to fit that volunteering around a busy lifestyle.

“There are many benefits to volunteering alongside water and the canal.  You get to meet and speak to new people, you become more active and take regular exercise, have some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you, it enhances your self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life and participation in social and community life makes people happier.”

Gary Wilkinson, Volunteer Team Leader for the Canal and River Trust, added ”Tasks vary at each location and can include hedge-planting, weeding gardens, litter-clearance from land and water or repairing towpaths.

“In August we will be improved the towpath entrances and mooring at Bridge No 114B at the junction of Chequers and Whalley Road in Clayton-le-Moors so we will be painting bollards, restoring the triangular information board and inserting publicity information at future events.  At each location the tasks depend on what’s most needed in that area.

“On arrival we run through what’s to be done that day and volunteers select the task that appeals most to them. We try to make sure the task is suited to an individual’s ability and remain on hand throughout the session to provide help, advice and the all-important tea and biscuits.”

Volunteers should let Barbara or Gary know if they are attending in advance, so they can look out for them and let them know of any last-minute changes.  Volunteers should wear suitable outdoor clothing they don’t mind getting mucky or snagged.  Sturdy shoes are a must.  If they are volunteering from 10-2 they should take a packed lunch but a hot drink ior water are provided.  Wear waterproof clothing or sunscreen — depending on the weather.  You do not need any tools as all tools and equipment are provided for the tasks to be undertaken on the day.

People wishing to volunteer can contact Gary Wilkinson via mobile 07483 341 954 or email gary.wilkinson@canalrivertrust.org.uk