Today was rather chilly but nice and bright – just the weather to encourage vigorous volunteering! We split into two groups, with one at Bridge 8 removing the last of the fallen tree and the other planting trees in the Hidden Lock site.

At Bridge 8 while we were launching “Nellie”, Alan took the opportunity to trim some overhanging branches.

Gordon in “Nellie” armed with Chris’s chainsaw and Andrew on the off-bank with a pole saw cut the remaining limbs that were largely underwater. The rest of the gang used ropes, drag forks and a grappling iron to haul the branches to the towpath. They then cut them into manageable sizes that were disposed of safely over the fence. The job took a bit longer than anticipated but the last photo shows a very successful outcome.

Meanwhile, Moira and Sharon planted over 25 saplings in the green bank alongside the unBuried Lock.

We all met up for tea in the Canal Centre where we were treated to cakes with a festive twist baked by Margaret.

Another day’s hard graft with the removal of the tree from the mud being particularly mucky, but we all came away with a great sense of achievement