Dredging the Trent & Mersey

THE Canal & River Trust has started to dredge the Trent & Mersey Canal between Stenson Lock and Swarkestone Lock in Derbyshire.

The length has been identified as in need of dredging using the more rigorous assessment criteria that were introduced as part of the Trust's dredging strategy, we are told. The project is also in response to comments from boaters that use the stretch of canal.

Repair bank

As well as the dredging the Trust has also taken the opportunity to repair a section of canal bank near Stenson Lock. The repairs have involved using a special membrane called Nicospan that's pinned in place with large wooden stakes. Once in position the Nicospan is backfilled with the dredgings from the canal forming a sturdy, natural-looking bank.

The 'environmentally friendly' membrane also enables grasses and other waterside plants to grow through, creating habitat for invertebrates and, in just a few months, the repairs naturally blend in with the rest of the canal.

Mark Weatherall, Senior Project Manager for the Trust explained:

"We're pleased to be carrying out these works as we know from customer comments that they will make life a little easier for the boaters using the busy canal. It's great that we can also include the erosion and bank repairs into the project. Nicospan is cheaper and more attractive than metal piling and, by re-using the dredgings, we help to keep our waste disposal costs to a minimum meaning we can do more dredging with the budget available."