Shropshire Paddlesport
In June 2013, we were approached by Shropshire Wildlife Trust to conduct a vole survey, on the Montgomery Canal from the water, rather than the towpath. Following the success of this project we thought we should create a new aspect to our paddling, by taking a more active role in the environment we paddled.
In December 2015, we officially adopted the section of the Montgomery Canal from Aston Lock 3 to Rednal Basin.
Our events and activities
- Annual litter pick in early spring - every year since 2013.
- Bio Blitzes - two per year, one in spring the other in autumn
- Moth Nights - Shropshire Moth Group
- Bat Nights - Montgomery Bat Group
- Small mammal surveys - Shropshire Mammal Group
- On-going recording of the flora and fauna
Our adoption has allowed us to do some maintenance work, primarily around the clubhouse - hedge laying, strimming, grass cutting, etc. We have been able to do some pruning of overhanging branches which are not accessible from the towpath. 12 months ago we created some wildlife habitats in Aston Lock 3 nature reserve.
We have forged links with other local adoption groups over the last few months. We have a joint venture with Oswestry School, followed by an event run by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and later to host a local guide group. Each of these is to promote paddling and the environment.
We have outlined a need to do some conservation work at Rednal Basin, with the intention to involve as many groups as possible in the work.
