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Local people lend a helping hand to improve Battyeford Island

We've teamed up with volunteers from a local church to help give an island on the Calder & Hebble Navigation a bit of TLC.

Volunteers holding gardening equipment at Battyeford

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined forces with the Trust to make the island neater and more attractive to people and wildlife. The event, on Saturday 3 September, was organised with the help of Kirklees Councillor Musarrat Khan.

Battyeford Island is an 800m stretch of land sandwiched between the Calder & Hebble and the River Calder. The island is a great place for wildlife, making it a popular escape for local people, and the volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help ensure that it remains an enjoyable, attractive place to visit.

The team helped to trim overgrowing greenery, tidying up the walkways, staining the woodwork to prolong its lifespan and plant new bulbs ready for spring.

Working in partnership

Councillor Khan said "This event is a prime example of what can be achieved by different groups and communities working in partnership for the wider benefit of people in the area. I am hoping more groups and organisations follow the excellent example delivered by the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Canal & River Trust. I personally would like to thank all those who have worked really hard to make this happen"

Becca Dent, volunteering development coordinator for the Trust said; "Battyeford Island is a much loved local spot, popular with walkers, anglers, cyclists and people just wanting to get away from it all.

"We couldn't be more grateful to everyone that got involved. The island's looking even better than before and the new plants and bug houses will help to ensure that it remains a great place for spotting all kinds of wildlife.

"We're really grateful for the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Councillor Khan and we hope local people enjoy the fruits of their labour."

The Trust has ambitious plans for the future of the island and, working with the Mirfield Community Partnership, is keen to see it transformed into a thriving community park. The scheme would represent the first part of a wider initiative to improve over 3 miles of canal and riverside routes running through Mirfield.

Last Edited: 08 September 2016

photo of a location on the canals
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