Care and restoration in Uppermill

The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers were all feeling rather blessed at our last activity morning – giving a huge thanks for the glorious sunny weather which made it ideal to continue with our lock painting. After we collected all the various necessary equipment we happily headed off to paint the lock gates and fencing at Wade lock.

As always, before we continued with the painting, we carefully cleaned off any dust around the lock and fencing.  We always feel very excited when undertaking this much-needed work as we feel it contributes to the overall care, restoration and precious heritage of the canal. Working with the Canal and River Trust (CRT), we like to think this important asset really does contribute to the beauty of Uppermill and to the sense of wellbeing of our village life.

While we were very focussed and very busy on our painting activities, we still ensured, as always, that we included a thorough litter pick alongside the canal. It’s always a delight while undertaking this work to stop a while and chat with visitors and local people on their regular walks by the canal side. The main focus of the conversations this month was looking forward immensely to the various planned events across the village to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and also the wonderful up-and-coming local Whit Friday activities. These rather lovely events spurred us on even further to ensure our litter picking efforts contribute to the village looking its beautiful best.

Our final activity of the morning was our regular Balsam ‘Bashing’. Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glanduliflora) is a widespread invasive species which is difficult to control and, while looking attractive with its pink and white flowers, tends to crowd out native plant species. Each summer, before it produces seed, we spend quite some time alongside the canal ‘bashing’ the balsam – pulling up the Himalayan balsam from the base of the plant – to prevent it from setting seed and spreading further along the canal side. We have been unable to carry out this task for two years owing to the pandemic but, with regular attention, our approach should reduce the growth on this site in future years. 

Future dates for your diaries if you would like to join us are:

We usually meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate Street [by the canal bridge], Uppermill at 10:00 AM but sometimes this varies so we will confirm this nearer to each of the above dates.  As usual, all equipment will be provided by the Canal and River Trust (CRT). You are recommended to wear suitable clothing and stout footwear for the weather conditions on the day.

We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers and anyone who would like further information please contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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