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The charity making life better by water

Newark Pocket Park & Sensory Garden up for adoption

A waterside Pocket Park & Sensory Garden is in need of community support and we are appealing to Newark residents for help.

The garden sits next to the historic Newark Town Lock on the River Trent, one of the busiest locks across the East Midlands, and was originally designed for people with a visual impairment. It has since become a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy some peace and tranquillity besides this famous waterway.

The area has long been known for its sensory seated area, picnic space, water feature and distinctive raised beds which include a variety of plants noted for their distinctive textures, colours and fragrances.

Adopt a garden

A review of resources within Newark & Sherwood District Council has meant that they are no longer able to maintain this park on behalf of the Canal & River Trust and so the Trust is seeking volunteers to help them maintain it.

We are asking community groups and local residents to lend a hand to protect this important public space under their ‘Adopt a Canal' initiative. More than 85 adoption groups across the country have joined the scheme since 2012.

Whilst we still carry out essential year-round major maintenance projects such as lock gate restorations and bridge repairs, groups are able to adopt 1-2 mile long lengths of canal or river and help bring vital added benefits.

Passion for gardening

Sean McGinley, waterway manager for the Canal & River Trust said: “We're asking the good people of Newark to adopt this lovely garden space and help us protect it for the thousands of people who could use it each year. This is such an idyllic spot so it would be sad to see it lost. We really need the public's help to keep it open so those with a passion for the outdoors and gardening should get in touch.

“The Trust's time and money is spent on major priority repairs like repairing locks and bridges like we've been doing this winter, so the work of our volunteer groups is essential and brings those added benefits which we're not able to do but are equally as vital.”

Canal adoption groups can undertake a range of practical improvements including towpath repairs, cutting back vegetation, litter and graffiti removal. Others have also begun to record and improve wildlife habitats, help fundraise, run educational events and help tackle anti-social behaviour.

Those interested in getting involved should email [email protected] or call 0303 040 4040. Full details about Waterway Adoptions can be found at canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.

Last Edited: 26 March 2015

photo of a location on the canals
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