Reed planting lesson on the K&A

Picture by Bob Naylor

Bankside improvements on the Kennet & Avon Canal will involve more volunteer work in the future and British Waterways plan to give volunteers the chance to get experience of reed planting in the New Year at Freeman's Marsh, Hungerford when they begin replanting the repaired canal bank.

Derek Hunt, who organises monthly work parties at Bradford on Avon Wharf, is looking for volunteers to go with him to help plant reeds and and learn skills that can be used elsewhere on the canal.

The work will involve:

• Preparing the ground for planting
• Selecting suitable plants to comply with a planting schedule
• Planting a range of marginal plant species
• Placement of brambles and thorn cuttings over the plants to protect them from grazing waterfowl 

Weather permitting the trip will be on Friday 7 January from 10am until mid-day.

BW will provide gloves for the planting and you will need to wear wellingtons or stout footwear — outer clothing is likely to get muddy.


It is planned to car-share to get to Hungerford.

If you are interested contact Derrick by email at: derrickjohnhunt@btinternet.com or Tel: 01225 863066