Glandwr Cymru - the Canal & River Trust in Wales - is urging local communities to play a bigger part in looking after the waterways on their doorstep, by urging them to ‘adopt’ up to a one mile stretch of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

The call comes as part of the charity’s wider plans to ensure that the nation’s waterways continue to thrive and don’t fall back into the near dereliction of the mid-twentieth century, when some sections were almost lost forever.

Adoption groups will work in partnership with Glandwr Cymru in order to make their local waterway shine; anything from improving wildlife habitats and access for local people, to creating a linear veg-patch for the community. Each group works at least one day a month for 12 months and agrees the projects they want to prioritise to make their mile matter.

To support the call, Glandwr Cymru has published an online map that showcases existing adoption groups and areas that are available for people to support. For full details visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/adopt-a-canal

Richard Parry, Glandwr Cymru chief executive, said, “Local waterways are arguably as important today as they have ever been. They have evolved from freight highways to linear parks in our towns and cities. They are places for us all to escape – havens for both people and wildlife. But to make sure this valuable legacy thrives into the future, we need to capitalise on the huge pride people have in them and encourage groups to work alongside us to make it happen. We see how much a stretch of canal is improved if local people are helping us to look after it, that’s why we’ve set an ambitious target for people to show their love for their local canal.”

Glandwr Cymru’s adoption appeal is being supported by TV personality and outdoor champion Julia Bradbury, she says, “Two hundred years ago, canals helped to transform the face of Britain, bringing about unprecedented change to our economy and society. The legacy we have today is amongst the finest examples of industrial heritage in the world, yet the biggest threat our waterways face is apathy.

“Last century it was pioneering volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help save the waterways from being lost forever. And today when I’m out exploring and taking in the waterways I’ve seen what a difference it makes when local communities come together and make their stretch come to life. I’d encourage anyone with a community spirit and a bit of time to spare to see how they can get involved”.

There are already over 160 adoption groups working across the Wales and England, including scouts, neighbourhood societies, running groups and schools. The aim is to get a quarter of the Canal and River Trust’s network (500 miles) adopted by 2025.

Jackie Charlton is a member of the Llangattock Woodland Group which has adopted a stretch of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Llangattock.

Jackie said, “We started the adoption because we were already working in a small woodland adjacent to the water, so it made absolute sense. We now meet along the canal once a week looking after two woodlands. During the winter months we have been coppicing or helping on a special project to support the life cycle of the Dormouse who love new hazel to nest in.

“We regularly have a turnout of between eight and 12 volunteers who are mainly retired, although we have guest volunteers of different ages. We also work with the local Church in Wales primary school whose Eco club are now intending to visit through the seasons.

“We’re constantly looking to recruit and provide opportunities for volunteering in our group. The Mon and Brec Canal is full of breath-taking views, peace and tranquillity. It’s a place which creates a highway for biodiversity for all to enjoy.”

Glandwr Cymru also has more informal volunteer opportunities including volunteer lock keeping and drop-in volunteering sessions so that anyone can get involved with caring for the waterways. More information is available at canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer