120 young volunteers, aged between 16 and 18 years old, have helped to transform parts of the Rochdale and Ashton Canal.
Supported by charities The Challenge and the Canal & River Trust, the army of young volunteers tidied up canals in Manchester city centre, Rochdale and Droylsden, cutting back overgrowth, clearing away litter and painting lock gates.
As well as giving the canals a well-earned tidy, the volunteers installed bat boxes and a new bench, painted murals and gave one of our workboats a new lick of paint.
Jon Stopp, who organised the event and volunteers for the Canal & River Trust’s Manchester & Pennines partnership, said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when people work together to improve their local community. Not only did these young people have a great time, they also made our wonderful canals nicer and friendlier places for everyone to enjoy. All in all a job well done!”
Following on from the volunteering weekends the groups from Challenge Network are now running their own campaign to encourage more people to visit their local canals.
