January 2024 work party report

Jan 12-14

(Click on any of the below photos to open a higher resolution version.)

2024 starts on the same high note as 2023 finished. The design is finalised and there is real momentum.

Rainfall since the last work party has been almost continuous. The channel in Phase 1A (by the wharf) is full to overflowing – literally. Volunteers arrived on Friday to find an overflow from the channel running through the compound gate under the welfare container and out the other side. Thankfully, the deluges had stopped a week before this work party. The channel in Phase 1B was sufficiently dry to make a start on final profiling of the banks and for the channel bed to be graded to correct depth. Great progress was made. This section requires waterproofing – lining and blocking will commence early spring.

Profiling in progress

Hedge laying occupied most volunteers this month. This continued along the towpath southwards from the Phase 1B section into Phase 2. A total of 36 metres was laid with further clearance and preparation of the area beyond in preparation for next month. With authorization from the CRT ecologist, a start was made on clearing piles of brash from the channel at the north end of Phase 2.

Hive of activity
Welcome break

On Friday and Saturday, a handful of volunteers concluded the pump installation work that was started last work party at Redwith newt ponds.

Stump saga update: it’s succumbed!

Posted in Montgomery Canal, Restoration, Shropshire Union Canal Society, Work Party.

One Comment

  1. just come back from a walk along that stretch – it’s looking amazing – well done to you all! you’ve obviously had a very busy weekend? Lovely to be able to walk over the new bridge too….

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