Help rejuvenate Stoke’s canalside

The days will not only provide a great opportunity for people to escape the confines of the house but will also enable them to help improve and strengthen hedgerows, making Stoke’s canal corridor a better place for people and wildlife.

The first events will take place on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January and will involve scrub and bramble clearance, refurbishment of two existing picnic benches and removal of litter ahead of two hedgelaying training days planned for 12 and 13 February.

The one day NCFE accredited courses, which are open to all regardless of experience or ability, will give an introduction to the skills required for hedgelaying and an understanding of how it should be carried out correctly.

Hedgerows alongside Stoke’s canals act as a natural wildlife corridor for birds and small mammals, offering protection, food and potential nesting sites. Hedgelaying is an important method of maintaining biodiversity, and it rejuvenates the hedge keeping it strong and healthy.

The activity forms part of the ‘Canals for the Community’ project, a Big Lottery Fund scheme dedicated to engaging with local people to improve the waterway environment and bring a sense of pride and ownership over their surroundings. British Waterways and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), the UK’s leading practical conservation charity, have teamed up to organise and supervise the sessions.

Project officer Louise North said; ‘After the prolonged wintry weather recently these days will offer a great opportunity for people to get out of the house, blow away any remaining cobwebs from the Christmas period and make a real difference to their local environment’

‘Hedgelaying is increasingly recognised as an important means of establishing wildlife habitats in urban areas and these activities provide the perfect opportunity to further enhance the biodiversity of Stoke’s canals, which act as green corridors running through the city.’

People wanting to take part in the January activity should meet at Caldon Canal bridge No 18 next to Millrace Pub, wearing old clothes and sturdy footwear. You are also advised to bring a packed lunch and drink. Anyone interested in the Hedgelaying training should book by calling Louise North on 07827 083538 or email louise.north@britishwaterways.co.uk before 29 January 2010 stating their preferred day.