£50,000 Montgomery Canal project to conserve rare plants
The project will focus on controlling invasive species, protecting canal banks, dredging, planting and improving hedgerows, and installing 'leaky dams' to manage water flow and reduce erosion.
Invasive plants such as water soldier will be removed using a volunteer-operated weed-cutting boat to protect native species and prevent further spread.
The £50,000 scheme is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales.
David Morgan, development manager for Glandŵr Cymru, said: "The Montgomery Canal is nationally important for floating water-plantain and grass-wrack pondweed, species that are vulnerable to pollution and competition from invasive species.
"The work that we will be able to carry out as a result of this funding will improve the health of the canal and allow these rare plants to flourish.
"Up to five miles of natural habitat each side of Welshpool are being restored.
"The brilliant volunteers who are taking on this work will be trained in invasive species control and hedgerow planting, and will help support the long-term sustainability of this area after the work is completed."
An underwater barrier will be installed at Abbey winding hole to protect the bank, and the area will be dredged to maintain navigability for the Heulwen Trust's trip boat, which serves vulnerable and less able adults and children.
Five leaky dams are being installed at Belan, south of Welshpool, and volunteers will work alongside contractors to plant and lay hedgerows.
It will be supported by the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme.
John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I am very pleased that this further grant has been awarded to help improve the biodiversity of the canal.
"Maintaining the 13 miles either side of Welshpool which have already been restored is an important task.
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Powys County Times
4 days ago
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£50,000 Montgomery Canal project to conserve rare plants
A rare plant conservation project is underway at the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool. The project will focus on controlling invasive species, protecting canal banks, dredging, planting and improving hedgerows, and installing 'leaky dams' to manage water flow and reduce erosion. Invasive plants such as water soldier will be removed using a volunteer-operated weed-cutting boat to protect native species and prevent further spread. The £50,000 scheme is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales. David Morgan, development manager for Glandŵr Cymru, said: "The Montgomery Canal is nationally important for floating water-plantain and grass-wrack pondweed, species that are vulnerable to pollution and competition from invasive species. "The work that we will be able to carry out as a result of this funding will improve the health of the canal and allow these rare plants to flourish. "Up to five miles of natural habitat each side of Welshpool are being restored. "The brilliant volunteers who are taking on this work will be trained in invasive species control and hedgerow planting, and will help support the long-term sustainability of this area after the work is completed." An underwater barrier will be installed at Abbey winding hole to protect the bank, and the area will be dredged to maintain navigability for the Heulwen Trust's trip boat, which serves vulnerable and less able adults and children. Five leaky dams are being installed at Belan, south of Welshpool, and volunteers will work alongside contractors to plant and lay hedgerows. It will be supported by the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I am very pleased that this further grant has been awarded to help improve the biodiversity of the canal. "Maintaining the 13 miles either side of Welshpool which have already been restored is an important task.
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