The two organisations have shown their support for a project aimed at improving habitats for water voles on the Erewash Canal. The project is just one of several similar schemes that we're planning across the East Midlands to make the waterways more attractive to people and wildlife.
Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust made a donation of £2,000 at a presentation to a range of local charities on Friday 15 February. The car giant's support follows a recent donation of £250 by the Long Eaton Natural History Society through an Erewash Borough Council grant.
Creating valuable habitat
The donations mean that work to repair and improve the canal bank can now get underway. The combined support also means that the project has half of the funding it needs to carry out similar improvements along the entire length of the canal. We're now calling on local communities to give the project further backing.
The Erewash Canal, which runs from Long Eaton to Langley Mill, has suffered from bank erosion and the money raised will enable coir rolls to be installed along the canal, softening the bank margins and creating valuable habitat for a range of wildlife.
Delighted and very grateful
Danny Brennan, chair of the East Midlands Waterway Partnership said: “We're delighted and very grateful to have received such support from two prominent and well respected organisations. This is a vital project and it's fantastic that others share the Trust's beliefs and recognise the importance of passing on a thriving, healthy canal to future generations. The more money we raise, the more we can achieve so I hope that others living and working in the area will give their support and help us to encourage this much loved animal back onto their local canal.”
Mike Mitchell, Chair of the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, adds: “We are pleased that the fundraising activities of both the company and individual members allow us to continue our support of local charities such as the Canal & River Trust. We hope that supporting waterways across the East Midlands will bring enjoyment for people over many years to come.”
