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The charity making life better by water

Could you help us clean up the canal in Hemel Hempstead?

We're calling on local people join a new canal tidy up group and help look after the Grand Union Canal in Hemel Hempstead.

The newly formed volunteer group is planning to meet along the towpath at 10am alongside the Fishery Inn (HP1 1NA) on the 4 June. People of all ages and abilities are invited to lend a hand for a few hours and help spruce up the waterway. All equipment will be provided and volunteers should wear old clothes that they don't mind getting a bit grubby.

The work is part of our Towpath Taskforce volunteering project, which encourages people to come out, get their hands dirty and help protect some of the region's most important wildlife habitats and public open space. The Taskforce provides regular volunteering opportunities for local communities which, as well as benefitting our canals and rivers also create memorable and rewarding experiences for everyone who takes part.

Community ownership

The teams meet regularly and are aimed at encouraging more community ownership of and pride in local waterways. Projects include painting lock gates, improving access to the towpath, clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up litter and graffiti and helping wildlife.

Jacqui Flint, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We're trying to establish a new volunteering group along the canal in Hemel and we need local people to volunteer their time and lend a hand. The work is really fun and rewarding. You'll also get the chance to meet new friends, get out and about in the fresh air and make a difference to your local community.

“You don't need any special skills, just some enthusiasm and a can do attitude and we welcome people young and old to our volunteering events so you can involve the entire family.”

Last Edited: 19 May 2016

photo of a location on the canals
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