Aico Volunteers Join Shropshire Union Canal Society to Revive the Montgomery Canal

The Shropshire Union Canal Society is a registered charity and limited company, run entirely by volunteers. Formed in 1966, Shropshire Union’s mission is to protect and enhance the historic canal systems across both England and Wales. Montgomery Canal was completed and opened in 1821, but was officially closed by Act of Parliament in 1944. In 1969, the first part of the restoration in Welshpool was completed.

In 2022, the society completed the restoration of the Montgomery Canal between Pryces Bridge and Crickheath Basin, adding a further 1.25 miles of navigation to the national network. A further two miles of dry channel remains before the restored canal at Llanymynech is reached, and for the first time in over 100 years, it will then be possible to navigate from the national network to the Montgomery Canal in Wales.

The current phase of work continues the restoration from Crickheath Basin to Schoolhouse Bridge. On Friday, 7^th November, five Aico colleagues offered their time to assist with the project. The volunteers spent the day clearing vegetation along the canal, and clearing the overgrown hedge, ready for it to be re-laid over the coming months.

Becci Cumblidge, Management Accountant at Aico, commented, “My day with the Shropshire Union Canal Society was slightly different to our usual volunteering days, it was great to be part of a project which I have seen work being completed over the years.

“The project managers and volunteers were a great bunch to be with, who are very invested in the restoration of the canal.

“As a team, we cleared a section of the tow path ready for the hedge to be traditionally re-laid, which the volunteers will be completing over the next few months. Anyone can volunteer with the team during their monthly volunteer days, with us being invited back to learn how to traditionally lay a hedge and learn new skills”

Shropshire Union are welcoming volunteers on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every month. No skills are required as full training and PPE will be provided. Volunteers will be treated to plenty of hot drinks and cake to keep them going.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in volunteering for the restoration work parties, you can contact the Restoration Project Manager, Tom Fulda at tom.fulda@shropshireunion.org.uk.

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