Rebuilding canals in the heart of flood-hit communities

Since the dreadful floods over the Christmas period, staff from the Canal and River Trust have been busy inspecting bridges, embankments and wash walls - assessing the damage and putting together plans. Many individuals and local voluntary organisations have already been heavily involved in helping to deal with the damage the flooding caused.  You can read about some of the work that has taken place by visiting the Canal and River Trust website just click on this link.

As CRT says "The kindness and spirit of those that have helped so far has shown what can be achieved in the face of adversity".  But the Trust needs to raise significant funds to make sure that this wonderful work is not wasted. The money will be used to repair things like major structural failures and to deal with canal breaches and landslips. CRT must also fix holes, washouts and clear deposited silt that have forced the closure of towpaths and waterways.

Please show your solidarity with the thousands of people whose lives have been turned upside-down. Help the Trust rebuild canals in the heart of flood-hit communities by making a donation today.  Flood appeal - donate now

Water Resources Strategy 2015-2020

The Canal and River Trust has published its Water Resources Strategy:  Putting the water into waterways.  A lengthy document but well worth the read.

Flooding in Mirfield - Boxing Day 2015

This is a video which appears on YouTube - Mirfield Floods

Boxing Day Floods

The following photos show the flooding at Battyeford, Newgate Lock and Lower Hopton, Mirfield:

Photography competition

For its latest photography competition, the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is looking for photographs that illustrate the changing seasons of the year. Shots of waterways from all over the UK can feature bustling canal and river scenes to more serene, lesser used waterways.  You can also enter images with various structures, craft and activities, to demonstrate the fantastic and diverse ways in which waterways are used. Winning photos will feature in IWA's calendar and Christmas cards. The top prize for the latest photography competition is a complete set of OS Nicholsons Guides to the Waterways, worth over £130, kindly donated by Harper Collins. All shortlisted entries will receive three copies of IWA's 2017 calendar.

For more information about the competition visit the IWA's website.

Daffodil planting

Many thanks to you all for coming along on Friday and for all your efforts in planting up the daffodil bulbs along the waterway paths at Battyeford Island.

Bulb planting at Battyeford Island

If you fancy an afternoon out in the sunshine, with vistas of the canal one way and the river to the other then join us this Friday afternoon at Battyeford Island.

Mirfield Community Partnership and the Canal and Rivers Trust will be planting daffodil bulbs, kindly donated by Knowle Park Nurseries, on Friday 30 October starting at 1.30 pm, at Battyeford Island, adjacent to HaPenny Bridge, Mirfield.

Your help is needed! Bring your pals.  If you cannot plant, you can always encourage and support.  Please wear stout shoes and protective gardening gloves.  Equipment will be provided but it would be great if you could come armed with trowels or bulb planters.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided along with a warm welcome to all.