A DONATION of £500 has been made to the Canal and River Trust to help maintain the fish pass at Diglis Island in Worcester and improve the site’s ecology.
The charity, which operates close to Barratt Homes’ Folliott’s Manor and The Pearls developments, is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of stunning canals and navigable rivers.
Having supported the Trust, Barratt Homes has contributed towards the Unlocking the Severn project – enhancing connectivity for migratory fish.
Mark Miles, visitor services Manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “This kind donation from Barratt Homes will be used to maintain the fish pass, which is a 100-metre-long structure built as part of the Unlocking the Severn project, to restore connectivity for migratory fish on the UK’s longest river.”
“The rare twaite shad once again has a way around the weirs that had, for nearly 180 years, been blocking the migration route to their historic spawning grounds between Worcester and the Welsh borders.
“This has restored connectivity on the river for the benefit of other endangered migratory species such as salmon, eel and lamprey, and all river fish, for that matter.”
Connecting many of the UK’s urban and rural areas, the Trust provides essential spaces for wildlife and people, caring for the 250-year-old waterways in its care and their vital ecosystems which are threatened by the growing impact of climate change and more extreme weather.
Mark added: “The Trust cares for the navigation of the River Severn and for canals in the local area such as the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, the Droitwich Barge Canal and the Droitwich Junction Canal.
“Our colleagues and volunteers care for these waterways daily, looking after embankments, culverts, locks, bridges, and towpaths, whilst caring for wildlife.
“We also work to maintain navigation for boaters while battling against the growing impact of climate change and more extreme weather, plus the constant upkeep and investment needed to care for an ageing canal network.”
Adrian Evans, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “We are proud to continue to support the Canal & River Trust. Last year we donated £1,500 to the charity via our Community Fund scheme, and we hope this year’s contribution will help the Trust to continue its fantastic work.
“This donation will be used to maintain the commendable achievements made during the Unlocking the Severn project, an important matter for the waterways close to our Worcestershire developments.”
