How to adopt a one mile stretch of Yorkshire canal

Unloved and overlooked stretches of Yorkshire's canal and river network have just been put up for adoption. Sarah Freeman reports on plans to safeguard their future.
Stretches of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and among those which have been put up for adoption.  Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Stretches of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and among those which have been put up for adoption.  Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Stretches of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and among those which have been put up for adoption. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

You can adopt most things these days. African elephants, theatre seats and celestial bodies are all up for grabs and now it’s possible to add a mile of Yorkshire canal to the list.

The Canal and River Trust launched the scheme as part of wider plans to ensure that the region’s waterways, don’t fall back into the kind of dereliction witnessed 50 years ago. Following early success - 160 groups have already signed up across the country - the charity has now set a target of getting 500 miles - a quarter of its entire network - adopted by 2025.

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“Local waterways are arguably as important today as they have ever been,” says Richard Parry, Canal and River Trust chief executive. “They have evolved from freight highways to linear parks in our towns and cities. They are places for us to escape - and a haven for both people and wildlife.

“However, to make sure this valuable legacy continues to thrive in the future we need to capitalise on the huge pride people have in them and encourage groups to work alongside us to make it happen.

“We see how much a stretch of canal is improved if local people helps us look after it, which is why we have set such an ambitious target for adoption.”

Stretches needing a little TLC in Yorkshire include parts of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the Aire and Calder Navigation. It is hoped that adoption groups will work in partnership with the trust to improve wildlife habitats and access for local people, as well as creating one giant long vegetable patch for the wider community. Each group will work on up to a one mile stretch for at least one day a month for 12 months.

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One group already up an running in the Friends of Freda’s Garden which is now looking after a stretch of the Aire and Calder Navigation at Knottingley.

“The group is named after a dear lady who lived in a cottage on the banks of the canal says,” volunteer Mark Lovell. “Known for being a little eccentric, Freda’s cottage only had a small patch of grass and so she expanded onto the towpath.

“Freda’s proud boast was that she never paid for a plant. She relied on gifts and cuttings and in return she encouraged people to pick her flowers. Her efforts became so well-known that they even featured in the British Waterways guidebook.

“Sadly Freda developed dementia and died a few years ago, but the five of us in the group came together with the aim of restoring Freda’s towpath planting, clearing the brambles, nettles and ivy which have invaded this particular stretch and really ensuring that her spirit and love of this area continues.”

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According to a survey conducted by the trust a third of us think there should be more communal green spaces and 81 per cent said they felt they needed more access to nature than they currently have.

“Two hundred years ago, canals helped to transform the face of Britain and they brought about unprecedented change to our economy and society,” says presenter and outdoor champion Julia Bradbury, who is supporting the adoption appeal. “The legacy we have today is amongst the finest examples of industrial heritage in the world, yet the biggest threat our waterways face is apathy.

“Last century it was pioneering volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help save the waterways from being lost forever. Now when I’m out exploring I see what difference it makes when people come together and make their stretch come to live and I’d encourage anyone with a community spirit and a bit of spare time to see how they can get involved.”

The trust has published an online map which highlights existing adoption groups and area that are looking for support. For full details go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/adoptacanal

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