Update from UCAN (Uppermill Community Network)

The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers and the Canal and River Trust (CRT) have been out and about again this month on a variety of productive and very enjoyable outdoor activities around the canal-side area of Uppermill.

We have once again spent some time on tending the two new raised wood planters near Dungebooth Lock getting them ready with appropriate base materials and fresh soil in readiness for planting with a variety of herbs and vegetables. Thanks to a lot of time, care and attention given to this task one of the planters is now complete and already has broad beans planted by the local group Incredible Edible Saddleworth (IES).

We are all feeling rather proud of this collective effort, what has been achieved so far and really looking forward to seeing the many more items which will be planted throughout the various seasons in readiness for towpath users who are invited to pick any produce when it is ripe and ready to eat.  You will notice that the planters have new signs attached to them which highlights that this work is very much a three-way partnership between  The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN), Canal and River Trust (CRT) and Incredible Edible Saddleworth (IES).

We also spent the morning caring for the raised garden beds near to Lime Kiln Lock which is always on our Autumn ‘to-do-list’ in order to protect the health of the soil before winter arrives. The overgrown vegetation has now been cleared in readiness for planting seeds and seedlings come next Spring.

We have also been tidying the pond in the viaduct woodland which is looking in good shape but needs a little protection during the Autumn with some netting which we have now installed. This is to prevent the many falling leaves dropping into the water where they would rot altering the delicate ecological balance and have a potential harmful effect on the pond vegetation and wildlife.

Our final task of the day was litter picking. It is so heart-warming that the amount of litter we collect each time we meet is now less than one bin liner size.  This almost litter-free environment has been achieved by everyone living, working and visiting our beautiful village. It is such a great achievement isn’t it.

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] 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 CRT. You are recommended to wear suitable clothing for the weather conditions on the day and stout footwear.

We 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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