Award for 18th Century wall repair

A BRITISH Waterways project to repair an 18th Century wall that forms a cutting on the Chesterfield Canal has been recognised for its commitment to environmental quality.

Work on the Kiveton Retaining Wall (Cutting 8) near Kiveton Park Station on the Chesterfield Canal has received an ‘Excellent' award from CEEQUAL, an assessment and awards scheme celebrating sustainability in civil engineering and public realm projects.  In the picture are Andy Swain (left) from CEEQUAL presenting the award to British Waterways' Sean McGinley and Deanne Gow.

Begun to deteriorate

The work was carried out in 2009 and focused on repairs to the limestone canal cutting which had begun to deteriorate. Following investigations into the wall's stability the decision was taken to partially rebuild it, and a local source of matching sandstone was found. The work required the removal of selected trees and vegetation. Supplementary works included providing new angling pegs to benefit the many anglers who use the canal.

Throughout the project, resources were chosen and used carefully, such as obtaining timber for fencing and scaffold boards from FSC-approved sources, minimising waste, and taking actions in accordance with appropriate sustainability, biodiversity and heritage guidance.

Blocked-up tunnel

During the project a patch of wall was found to be the blocked-up entrance to a tunnel, likely to have been linked to a nearby quarry used to supply stone for the canal's construction.

Ecological considerations during the project included planning vegetation works for early spring when water voles are least affected, and reusing canal silt to improve their habitat. Potential bat roosts were identified and retained. Careful consideration was given to keeping canal users and neighbours informed and satisfied.