Shropshire Union Canal Society moving forward on multiple fronts

The Shropshire Union Canal Society’s September work party focused on the ongoing restoration, with significant progress reported across phases two and three of the scheme.

Tom Fulda, restoration project manager, said: "Since the last work party, we have had the first significant rain for months – and some of it was very significant. The impact is that the channel in Phase 2 has started to fill and the site of the wash wall construction had mud and debris washed into it."

Restoring the wash wall remains a priority, as the site could soon become inaccessible due to rising water levels.

Other key tasks include clearing phase three before conditions deteriorate in winter, and completing the remaining lining and blocking in phase two before additional rainfall makes the work more difficult.

To get ahead, a preparatory day was held before the main work party began.

During the work party, volunteers began building the wash wall using a mortarless, interlocking hollow block system, following the completion of concrete footings during the previous session.

The design includes three sections, two corners, and two expansion joints, with each joint accommodating different heights of coping stones.

By Saturday afternoon, the first stage of wall construction was completed, with more courses planned before coping stones are installed to form the towpath edge.

Tree and undergrowth clearance also began in phase three, between Schoolhouse and Malthouse bridges, now that the nesting season is over and wildfire risk has subsided.

Four volunteers from Aico joined the team on Friday, helping to maintain strong numbers throughout the week.

Seven bonfire sites were used to dispose of large volumes of brash, and contractors removed tree stumps in areas previously inaccessible.

Site clearance is expected to continue during the next work party.

In phase two, the final channel section before the compound access point was shaped and lined, though water seepage created muddy conditions despite the use of a temporary bund.

Despite the setback, the liner was installed and blocks laid along the bed.

The team plans to complete the side blocking and install a full-height temporary bund during the next session.

The ultimate goal is to rewater phases 1B and 2 over winter.

Water testing is scheduled for the following year.

The Shropshire Union Canal Society continues to rely on the dedication of its volunteers and supporters to deliver the project.