GREENZONE: ‘Grantham has some wonderful waterside walks,’ says Lynne
Lynne Le Conte
LYNNE Le Conte, South Kesteven District Council’s grounds maintenance co-ordinator, look at our town’s waterside walks, ongoing preservation work and the wildlife that resides there.
“There are many interesting places to walk in and around Grantham, but I thought I’d give you a small insight about work going on to preserve waterside walks in the Grantham area. I’ve also found another survey that the whole family can join in with to help British Waterways whilst enjoying the great outdoors during the summer holidays. They’re running a photographic competition too. British Waterways would like you to tell them what you’ve seen on any waterways; insects, birds, reptiles, fish and mammals, during your visit. There is lots of information on the waterscape web site with pictures and descriptions about things you might see along your chosen route, full details can be found: www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey
The survey and competition closing date is 30th September 2010.
There are many unsung heroes, individuals and organisations involved in the care of our waterways; SKDC, The Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Grantham Rivercare, The Canal Society and Natural England to name but a few work continuously to improve and promote our waterways.
SKDC’s Chris Maw is responsible for flooding and land drainage. One task which is undertaken annually is to reduce the willows surrounding the river bank near Springfield Road, the willow prunings are then used to create wildlife stacks and the bank in that area is now safer. Another project recently completed along the river Witham was along the Riverside Walk near Bridge End Road (adjacent to the allotments). Here essential revetment work was needed, this entailed using live willow spiling (a method of weaving using live willow whips to you and me) to support the bank, it will ensure the integrity of the bank and has additionally provided extra homes for small creatures. Carrying on through the section of Wyndham Park to QE Park look out for the rare water vowels that live along the banks, kingfishers and a mandarin duck to name but a few that have decided that Grantham is the place to be.
Grantham Civic Society set up Grantham Rivercare a voluntary regional group who got together in 2004. They are supported by Anglian Water providing equipment to look after the Bridge End Road to Harrowby Mill stretch of the river Witham. The group clears the river of rubbish and fly tipping which includes shopping trolleys every couple of months and SKDC Street Scene take it away. John told me recently that he has noticed a definite reduction in the amount of fly tipping and litter but if would be wonderful if everyone would use litter bins provided or took their rubbish home. The Rivercare Group do a great job and following John’s advice we could all help keep the area looking more attractive and of course this would be better for our wildlife which at the last survey recorded, indicated it is one of the last bastions to the extremely rare white clawed crayfish. More help is always appreciated and new friends made so if you would like to volunteer you can contact john for more details: email, jrknowles@hotmail.co.uk
Or why not walk part of the Grantham canal, opened in 1797 and for well over a century was one of the principal waterways of the Midlands, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to the toll-roads for the transport of goods and materials between Grantham and Nottingham. The Grantham Canal Restoration Society was formed in 1969 by a small group of local people who recognized that we were in danger of losing a precious piece of industrial and architectural heritage, a rich habitat for the flora and fauna of the Vale of Belvoir and a potential source of enjoyment for current and future generations.
Since that time, an immense amount has been achieved; locks have been repaired and brought back into use; bridges have been rebuilt; the towpath has been resurfaced and stretches of the canal have been dredged. Groups of volunteers have tackled the encroaching vegetation, felling overhanging trees, cutting back overgrown banks and clearing out excessive weed growth to enable the water to flow again. And at all times, care has been taken to preserve and encourage the habitats of flowers and wildlife.
Today, The Grantham Canal Society has taken up the challenge. Its purpose is to continue the restoration of the canal, thereby creating a 33-mile leisure corridor running through the glorious Vale of Belvoir: a linear park to be used and enjoyed by walkers, anglers, cyclists, bird lovers - by anyone and everyone who takes pleasure in our natural environment. Eventually, the aim is to restore the canal to its former glory as a fully navigable waterway, not for commercial use but for trail boats and narrow boats to add their own colour and vitality to the rural setting.
Would you like to help?
The Society is run entirely by volunteers, supported by British Waterways and other organisations dedicated to the restoration and preservation of canals throughout the country. Their website is: www.granthamcanal.com
So during the summer holidays get out there, look at the flora and fauna and join in with the survey and photo competition if you can, I’ll be looking out for you!”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Grantham
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.