Towpath Improvements
1km of towpath improvements funded by the Mayor of London's Green and Resilient Space Fund is now complete between Norwood Road (Wolf Bridge) and Norwood Top Lock (Glade Lane Bridge). This includes a new accessible path from Havelock Road across Havelock Road green space to the canal.
Vegetation Works
Earlier in the year vegetation trimming was undertaken along the entire route of the Southall Wellbeing Way to improve space and visibility and prepare for more wildlife-friendly planting. Following community feedback and ongoing anti-social behaviour issues (which included setting fire to the trees and using them to act as a screen for illegal behaviour), a number of trees were removed along the canalside between Bankside and Blair Peach Primary School. This has improved visibility and reduced some of the anti-social behaviour along this stretch.
A small hedgerow will be planted with the help of volunteers once nesting season is finished in September / October 2023. The tree removal has opened up a wall by Blair Peach Primary School which has attracted graffiti. Work is underway with the school to design a mural for this space to complement the mural on the wall next to it which was completed last year.
Look out for opportunities to get involved in planting across the project later in the year, including some floating habitat in the canal near Norwood Road and planting at the community garden spaces.
Community Archaeological Dig – Canalside Community Garden
In May we held Southall's first canalside Community Archaeological Dig on the site of the former lock keepers cottage at Norwood Bottom Lock (Lock 91), which we are hoping to transform into a community garden with your help. Dig Ventures were commissioned to run the dig for us. Thank you to the 64 members of the community who supported us with 214 hours of their time over three days to dig and help discover more about the lost cottage, its outbuildings and its garden.
