Plants on towpaths

NOTWITHSTANDING all the complaints from boaters of the ever encroaching vegetation over the waterways, the Canal & River Trust's latest scheme is to plant more.

It is asking for volunteers to plant shrubs along the Kennet & Avon towpath—to provide food and shelter for butterflies and bees along canals, stating that 'the species are essential to the city's ecosystem'.

Year-round supply

​The first plantings are expected to be along the towpath by Widcombe Bottom Lock to Darlington Wharf, to 'ensure a year-round food supply'. Which is rather strange as both species have a very limited 'season'.

CaRT Project Manager, Sarah Brice, explains:

"We now have the opportunity to improve this green corridor through Bath and the food source for the declining bee and butterfly populations. They are vital for the pollination of food crops, wildflowers and visitor interest."

Volunteers are required to work on the project from now until April, with a group which meets on the fourth Thursday of each month on the lookout for new recruits.