By planting 14,000 native trees along historic waterways in England and Wales, the Canal & River Trust seeks to protect and preserve biodiversity and aid CO2 absorption.
The project will focus on plugging gaps in the canal hedgerows and establish new small woodlands for local wildlife, using native small trees and hedgerow species such as hazel, hawthorn, and dogwood. Larger trees, including hundreds of oak, beech, wild cherry, and silver birch, will also be planted with the aim of absorbing around 5,500 tonnes of CO2 each year.
“With increased urbanisation and the loss of thousands of miles of traditional farming hedgerows, the role of canals, which cut through landscapes to link important wildlife ‘islands’, has become increasingly important,” the charity states.
The planting is being supported by £150,000 worth of funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, through its Postcode Climate Challenge Initiative. For the Canal & River Trust, this money means that they can transform unloved areas into woodlands and orchards for local communities and wildlife to enjoy.
“In addition to being vital for wildlife and their ongoing role for boats, the woodlands and orchards that we’ll be creating with the help of volunteers, will be peaceful places for local communities to spend time, with the mental and physical health benefits that being close to water and nature bring,” said Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust.
Canals are certainly valuable ecological corridors and full of potential when it comes to biodiversity and can play a role in working towards net zero.
Find out more about the Canal & River Trust are making a difference to 2,000 miles of historic waterways.
Keep up to date with the latest sustainability and industry news on enki.
