Outdoors and Attractions

Spring has sprung in Walsall, and it’s time for the annual Canal Cleanup. The Inland Waterways Association is looking for volunteers to dredge the city’s canals, with the aid of rakes and grappling hooks, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of March.

Half of the UK’s population lives within five miles of a canal, and up to 11 million people use them every year, from narrow boaters to tourists, joggers, dog walkers, cyclists and people walking to work.

Volunteers dredge the canal

Despite their popularity, however, Britain’s waterways have also become a massive dumping ground, and during just one day of last year’s clean up, over 70 tonnes of rubbish was retrieved from a stretch of canal just 100 miles long. In past years, bikes, prams, toilets, tyres, counterfeit coins, old cars, and even a coffin have been pulled from Walsall’s canals.

Celebrated Author Bill Bryson, who is president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, says we disrespect Britain’s canals at our peril:

“Our waterways are of vital importance, providing everyone with the opportunity to experience their cities, towns and countryside from a unique and tranquil perspective. It’s a disgrace that some people choose to treat their waterways as an open litter bin or as a place to dump their discarded waste.”

Last year, 70 tonnes of rubbish was recovered

If you want to get involved in the Walsall Canal Cleanup, put on some old clothes, waterproofs and wellies, roll up your sleeves and head down to British Waterways Yard, Bayleys Lane, Ocker Hill, Tipton, DY4 0HB, on March 28th or 29th for registration. All children must be supervised by an adult. 

Work will start at 9.30 each day and continue until 3.30, but any time you can spare to help out would be greatly appreciated. For more information, call Aileen Butler on 07703567764.