Volunteers are muddy but undeterred as they work to restore a historic waterway.
The latest efforts are part of the ongoing Shropshire Union Canal restoration project, and despite soggy conditions, project manager Tom Fulda said volunteers are pressing on with determination.
Mr Fulda said: "Mud, glorious mud.
"This winter is characterised by persistent rainfall.
"The current area of site is generally well drained, but that counts for nowt when plant tracks over it."
Despite the drizzle and cold, volunteers turned out in force and made significant progress on the canal’s towpath and hedging work.
More than 70 metres of hedge have been laid so far this winter, with another session planned before the environmental programme finishes for the season.
The programme also includes hedge planting.
More than 500 whips have already been planted, with more scheduled for next month.
These are being used to fill gaps in existing hedges and to create new sections along the offside field in Phase 1B of the project.
Special thanks are due to CGI UK Ltd who have now provided hedging materials for three consecutive years, and also to the three corporate volunteers from Aico in Oswestry who turned up on Friday to assist with the hedge clearing and planting.
Towpath improvements have also continued, with two volunteer teams working on fixing boards and laying aggregate.
Despite the sodden ground, volunteers completed 235 metres of towpath during the latest work party.
The section from Schoolhouse Bridge to Malthouse Bridge is now finished, along with an additional 100 metres north of the compound.
Progress was also made on shaping the canal channel in Phase 2, although further work will depend on drier conditions.
A final group of volunteers took part in a snowdrop salvage mission, relocating five barrow loads of snowdrops and daffodils from the Waen Wen basin to the bank beneath the newly laid hedge.
Share