Canal Maintenance Volunteer Days

Hello Everyone,

Despite the weather variations from pleasant sunshine to the more familiar heavy and prolonged downpours throughout the summer we have managed to keep the footpath clear of overhanging vegetation and excessive growth of grass along its entire length.

With available time having been restricted among the few main ‘hands on’ volunteers this work has been carried out on Thursdays which we recognise doesn’t suit everyone who may wish to help.

Although the general work will generally continue on Thursdays, by request we are now in the position to arrange some work party programmes during the winter months and have arranged the following at which we are asking for offers of assistance.

– Saturday, November 10th.  11.00am until you want to leave, or 4.00pm.

Morton Bridge

Clearing of an area suitable for the placing of a picnic table and seat.
This will involve gathering together various vegetation cuttings and subject to weather on the preceding days having one or more bonfires.

Some pitchforks and bow saws will be available but if you can bring a rake to the site it would be appreciated.

Stout boots or wellingtons, strong gardening gloves, (water proofs, just in case) and packed refreshments are advisable.

Limited parking is available at the nearby Puckland Farm (so car share if possible) with a short walk (about 100yds) towards Tamar Lake & Morton Bridge.

– Saturday January 12th. 10.00am until you want to leave or 4.00pm.

Virworthy Wharf and adjacent area.

General trimming back of growth in the area of the Wharf and towards Virworthy Mill.
Stout boots or wellingtons, strong gardening gloves, (water proofs, just in case) and packed refreshments are advisable.

Again parking is somewhat limited so car sharing would be appreciated.

– Saturday. February 16th. 10.00am until you want to leave or 4.00pm.

Holsworthy Branch.

There are a number of willow trees growing in, or overhanging the canal profile which need to be removed to improve the aspect of the Holsworthy branch junction.

The work will involve cutting up the felled trees with hand saws and loppers, collecting the various pieces either for stacking of logs or burning of smaller pieces on site.

Some pitchforks and bow saws will be available but if you can bring a bow saw and / or loppers to the site it would be appreciated.

Stout boots or wellingtons, strong gardening gloves, (water proofs, just in case) and packed refreshments are advisable. (This one could be wet and muddy underfoot so be prepared)

Again parking is somewhat limited on the Devon Wildlife Trust car park at Vealand so car sharing would be appreciated.

– Saturday. March 9th. 10.00am until you want to leave or 4.00pm.

Dexbeer Section

This section of the canal is usually relatively dry and although many of the larger willow trees have been cut down there has been some re-growth from the stumps plus blackthorn saplings which need to be dealt with along with general tidying up work. If we can arrange it, there will also be some assistance needed with hedge laying alongside the footpath.

Some pitchforks and bow saws will be available but if you can bring a bow saw and / or loppers to the site it would be appreciated.

Stout boots or wellingtons, strong gardening gloves, (water proofs, just in case) and packed refreshments are advisable.

Again, unfortunately, parking is really limited so car sharing would be appreciated.

Any offers of assistance will be gratefully accepted but due to the limited parking, if you can’t book onto your first choice please consider one of the others or possibly enquire about one of the Thursday general work sessions.

Contact Mike on 01288 354162 or email michaeldegnan@btinternet.com

 It would be really helpful if you could indicate the number of people in any one vehicle for any of the days you can help.

We would like to express a big thank you to all the members from the committee for your continued interest in supporting and maintaining this important section of a historical and environmentally valuable canal, with its increased potential as a visitor attraction in the area.

Executive committee.

Bude Canal News

Bude Canal Trust News