Big Give Appeal for Chesterfield Canal runs out this month

 WE ARE RESTORING the derelict Chesterfield Canal in Derbyshire, writes Rod Auton of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

A blue green corridor for the local communities; for nature recovery, jobs, and navigation. Putting the canal back in water in Renishaw our volunteers will create new habitats; community open spaces and help to mitigate climate change.

The old canal is derelict and unsightly as it passes through North East Derbyshire, a former coal mining area now with a lot of deprivation and ill health. The area's nature has been depleted over two centuries of industrialisation and is now a nature recovery area. The route is unmanaged making walking difficult and access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs impracticable. A once busy heritage route with birds, fish, amphibians, and used by boats can be restored to life again by volunteers.

Repairing damage and refilling the canal with water we will restore a community asset which local people can use for circular walks with step free access. Benches and information boards will encourage and inform users. Aquatic, marginal, and terrestrial habitats will be created along the corridor - connecting nature to other corridors. Planting will attract a wide range of species including kingfishers, water voles, and pollinators; eventually restoring the canal to join the national network.

Big Give Appeal

Our latest Big Give Appeal runs from now until noon on Tuesday 29th April.

All donations up to a total of £8,000 will be doubled by Big Give to make the total up to £16,000.

To see full details and donate, please click here. Thank you very much.