The Shropshire Union Canal Society work party was always expected to be a busy one for several reasons. Nine volunteers attended on Thursday to carry out a variety of preparatory tasks, extending the April work party to four days. Restoration project manager Tom Fulda explained that upon arrival, the team found a tree that had fallen onto the welfare container due to Storm Dave a few days earlier. Fortunately, no damage had been caused, and by Saturday the tree had been cleared and added to the bonfire.

Large numbers were anticipated for the main work party, with a group from OutdoorLads attending from Friday to Sunday—an event that had been planned for several months. With high volunteer turnout, there was strong potential for significant progress in lining and blocking Phase 2. Delivery of blocks in this phase is only possible along the channel bed, meaning that profiling the channel (which requires diggers to operate within it) cannot take place simultaneously with lining and blocking. As a result, Thursday was dedicated to profiling as much of the channel as possible in preparation for the following day. Additional tasks completed on Thursday included extending welfare facilities with extra seating and a gazebo, along with several other preparatory jobs. A productive site meeting also took place with CRT senior engineer Ian Draycott to discuss detailing for the wash wall planned for construction through Schoolhouse Bridge later in the year. Initial work also began to clear spoil from the channel in this area.

On Friday, the team was visited by CRT chief executive Campbell Robb during his first tour of the Montgomery Canal since his recent appointment. Observing the work party in full operation, he expressed strong approval, noting that the restoration was progressing rapidly and describing it as a flagship project from which others across the canal network could learn. He also commented on the dedication and enthusiasm of those involved.

In addition to observing the Society’s restoration efforts, Campbell Robb visited Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre and the nearby Carreghofa Bridge construction site before continuing on to Welshpool.

As for the main restoration works, volunteer numbers exceeded expectations, reaching a record 37 participants on Saturday and 28 on Sunday. Weather conditions were less favourable, with sharp but brief showers and gusty winds. These conditions proved challenging when laying large sections of liner, which at times billowed like sails reminiscent of those seen during Cowes Week. Despite this, by Sunday afternoon, 60 metres of channel had been successfully lined and blocked—another record. This achievement involved the handling and careful placement of approximately 5,000 individual blocks.

With such a large volunteer workforce, numerous additional tasks were also completed. Over the four days, substantial progress was made in removing spoil from the channel on both sides and through Schoolhouse Bridge. Environmental efforts continued from winter into spring; following a major snowdrop relocation earlier in the year at Waen Wen, attention turned to daffodils, which were carefully replanted along the hedgerow in Phase 2. The mild and wet winter also necessitated weeding around newly planted hedging.

Hosting guest volunteers for three consecutive days was a new experience for the Society. The nine-member OutdoorLads group, whose participants travelled from locations including Kent, Southampton, and Kosovo, greatly enjoyed contributing to the restoration work and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere on site. Their leader, Rob, noted that members found the weekend highly rewarding and were pleased to see the tangible impact of their efforts.

The Society extended its thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the work party.

Pictures: Shropshire Union Canal Society and M Haig.