Volunteeers are working to continue the restoration of a former waterway between Chippenham and Melksham.
Teams from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust have started clearing a further third of a mile at Naish Hill, on the edge of Lacock, with the original canal bed now clearly visible. The charity hopes to connect it to the stretch, which has already been restored at Pewsham Locks, before continuing south to reconnect with the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Howard Wilson, a work party organiser for the Trust, said, “This a very exciting moment. There’s more work to be done, but it demonstrates our continuing progress in bringing this wonderful waterway back to life.”
“The Naish Hill section was completely overgrown so we had to clear several willow trees which had self-seeded in the canal bed. These trees are being reused for the creation of dead hedges to provide important habitat for small mammals and nesting birds, as well as forming a barrier to protect newly-planted woodland from local deer.
“In due course we will also be removing the weeds which are clogging the areas still in water and will need to repair a broken culvert, but the clay lining is intact. This bodes well for its full restoration.”
The Naish Hill section was partially cleared almost 20 years ago but couldn’t be maintained due to the charity’s limited resources having to be focused on Pewsham Locks.
The charity’s long-term goal is to continue the restoration along the bottom of Bowden Hill before joining the River Avon north of Melksham, where narrow boats use the river to pass through the town centre, before joining the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington.
Howard added, “We hope our latest achievement will encourage even more people to join us. There are lots of opportunities to get involved, from the physical work of excavating the canal and creating new wildlife habitats, to equally important roles in fundraising, events and marketing.
“We also have plenty of ways in which local companies can play their part, from corporate volunteering to donations for new tools and equipment – there’s something for everyone.”
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to restore the waterway from the Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
For more information, go to www.wbct.org.uk.
Pictured: Howard Wilson at Naish Hill, Pewsham Locks
