The last working party of the Summer was held at Draycott on Sunday 27th July to clear the canal bed of Japanese Balsam that was beginning to block the flow of water that runs through this stretch.

A 45 meter stretch had been badly affected by this invasive plant and had to be cleared before it started to seed itself making the job even harder next year.

Pictures show a view of the problem before work started and also show one of our most regular helpers, Peter, attacking the problem from the canal bed, working in two feet of water, clearing plants that at times can grow to over 3 meters high.

Working parties will now stop until September to give everyone a well earned rest and resume in September to strive and finish the hedge laying at Draycott and Borrowash. See the Work party diary page for future dates.