Giant tree removed from Leicester Section

A GIANT tree has been craned-out of the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal.

Blocking the canal

The huge Scots Pine, which had come down during the stormy weather was blocking the canal and preventing boaters and local people from being able to use the canal and towpath.

Because of the size of the tree, the Canal & River Trust needed to bring in a crane and seat it on steel matting so it could be removed safely without damaging the canal bank and surrounding area.

This cost the trust several thousand pounds in the removal, with local colleagues working alongside contractors to get the navigation back open.

Real challenges

Richard Walker, contract manager at Canal & River Trust, explained:

"Trees falling into the canals can present us with some real challenges. Not only can they block navigation for boats, but they can cause significant damage and, because towpaths were built for horses to tow boats rather than heavy modern-day machinery, this can present several access considerations.

“We carry out proactive tree works outside of the nesting season and remove windblown branches and trees from our nation-wide network of canals year-round. With winter approaching, and a changing climate that is bringing more frequent and severe storms, we will be on-hand over the months ahead to keep navigation open.