Last weekend, the Tuesday section of 10th Chippenham Scout Group, and
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteers, dug out their spades, donned
boots and gloves, and joined forces as part of a project along the
canal. The scouts, with help from the canal volunteers, were improving
the habitat at the edge of the towpath, at a site near the A4
between Chippenham and Calne. The project was to plant native species
of trees and shrubs, donated by the Woodland Trust.
Scout Leader Judith Brown said: “The scouts have taken on this
challenge as part of the Environmental Partnership Award. For the
award, the scouts have to take responsibility for the whole process.
They have had to identify a partner – in this case the Wilts &
Berks Canal Trust – and a project or activity that relates to the
environment. Together they have had to set objectives and plan the
project. Now the scouts have to take part, successfully complete the
tree planting, and finally, assess the benefits to those involved.
“We are delighted to be working with the volunteers of the Wilts &
Berks Canal Trust again, especially as both groups are working in the
community to try and improve the environment for local people.”
The site, at both sides of the A4 near the Hyundai garage, was once the
location of Derry Hill Bridge, where the canal passed beneath the
Chippenham to Calne Turnpike Road. There was also a coal wharf at this
location.
Dave Maloney, WBCT project leader, said: “Thanks to the generosity of
Lord Lansdowne, a lease for the land has been agreed here, and so we
have been able to work on this section of the canal. Volunteers have
been very busy clearing 100 years of accumulated brambles and
undergrowth on either side of the A4, and local people have appreciated
seeing this part of the canal gradually reappear as they drive along
the road.
“We are thrilled to be working with 10th Chippenham Scout Group again.
The scouts were brilliant at our Heritage Open Day last June, when they
acted as marshalls and organised the car parking. They did a wonderful
job for us, now we are pleased that we can reciprocate and help them to
achieve this important Environmental Award.
“The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is very keen to work with community
groups; we have an increasing amount of activity taking place along the
length of the canal, and a growing level of support from the local
community.
It’s so important to get the younger generation involved in
environmental projects; it is the quality of their future that will be
affected by projects such as these.”
Anyone interesting in finding out more about the canal trust, or in volunteering, please visit the website www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
See Also www.10thchippenham.co.uk/tuesdayscouts/
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