A project to clear reeds that are dominating parts of the Grantham Canal in Rushcliffe has received vital Council funding, improving water flow and enhancing habitats for wildlife.
Rushcliffe Borough Council awarded a £27,000 grant from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation to the Canal & River Trust who are overseeing the conservation and reed clearance project.
The waterways and wellbeing charity is removing excessive reed growth in a four-metre-wide channel along the middle of the canal at key sites including Kinoulton, Hickling, Cotgrave, Gamston and Lady Bay.
As well as improving flow, the channel will provide clear water, perfect for fish, dragonflies and other aquatic plants.
The funding builds on further support the Council has provided annually to help maintain the hedges and footpath along the canal in the Borough.
With bird nesting season approaching daily checks are being carried out ahead of the works and the programme will be modified to avoid disturbance of any nesting birds.
Richard Bennett, Heritage & Environment Manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The Grantham Canal is a valuable place for wildlife and a much-loved place for local people to enjoy a breath of fresh air, so it’s really important that we carry out these works.
“It’s easy to forget that the canal is a man-made environment and needs careful management to keep it a special place that benefits both people and wildlife.
“These works will improve the overall health of the Grantham Canal, increasing the variety of habitats available and improving water flow along the canal, which, because it has few streams and other sources of water flowing into it, is heavily reliant on rainfall in some sections to keep it topped-up.
“We’re very grateful for funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council which has made these improvements possible. As a charity this kind of support is vital in our ongoing work to protect and preserve our historic waterways and ensure that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”