Work continues on Ecology Park
I am pleased to report significant progress over the last few days on the Darnford Moors Ecology Project with our Trust volunteers and contractors.
The fine weather has allowed ground to dry out sufficiently for the Trust to carry
out essential groundworks as preparatory works for the canal lining operations
to Phase 1 of the project to the east of the Lift Bridge.
These preparatory works include:
1. Upgrade work to the Steel Sheet Pile Wall to phase 1 including the backfill
behind the pile wall for the towpath.
2. Removing surplus heaped soil from around the old disused heritage lock 29 to
restore the north embankment of the canal and for the backfill to the piled
towpath.
3. Shaping and profiling of the canal channel base and side slopes to phase 1.
In addition a new wildlife pond has been formed within the low flood plain area
between the adjacent Darnford Brook and the Lichfield canal. The suitable soil
from this has been used in Phase 1 and this wildlife pond will now provide a very
important all year round boost to the ecology of this wetland area.
The removal of the soil from the wooded area around old lock 29 has allowed a
start to be made on the creation of the woodland walks branch hedges and
“stumperies” planned for this area.
To make all this work possible specialist tracked dumpers and excavators were hired in for our volunteers to carry out the work and blessed with good weather some 800 tones of soil was moved and a 115 meter section of the canal channel was expertly re profiled.
This has been a massive milestone achievement by the Trust volunteers and
our contract specialists who worked very hard to progress the important project.
It is worth remembering that less than two weeks ago this whole canal site and
adjacent area was underwater and flooded following several days torrential
rainfall.
Can I thank all who have been involved in this exciting ecological project, our supporters, contractors , suppliers and our volunteers who make this community project a reality.
This project is supported by funding from ERDF and HS2.
Peter Buck
