As part of RAB’s commitment to supporting the local community, some of the Engineering Team recently volunteered with the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust at Fosseway Heath, clearing the canal site and Wood Lock.
Volunteers for the Trust, which has just been announced as a finalist for the Charity and Social Enterprise Award at the esteemed Beacon Awards, have been working since 1988 to restore the canals within Lichfield and Hatherton in the hopes of re-establishing a navigable gateway to the Birmingham canal system, whilst creating an enriching amenity for the community. More information on their work can be found on their website (https://lhcrt.org.uk) and on the following facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H7tCUGtT9/
The team from RAB (which included Peter Batty, William Hammond, Thomas Lea, Alexandra Mackaness, Joshua Spittle, Alex Spittle, Charlie Davies, Rob Pike and Jess Hipwood) aimed to assist the Trust and give back to the community by conducting vegetation management, as well as erecting a sign dedicating the lock site to the Lichfield and Hathern Canals Restoration Trust’s founder and current President, Eric Wood.
The team utilised lawnmowers, strimmers, shears, secateurs, and plenty of elbow grease to improve accessibility and enhance the aesthetics of approximately 500m length of canal and lock (see pictures below).
During the work, they uncovered a hidden fall-from-height risk where a headwall had been obscured by dense brambles and woody shrubs. As a result, the team not only created a more welcoming and attractive environment for visitors and local residents but also helped make the area safer for all who use it.
Huge well done to the whole team for their commitment to social value, environmental stewardship, and community impact. This is engineering that goes beyond infrastructure – it’s about creating better places for people and nature.
RAB Consultants can provide services such as asset inspection, condition assessments, options appraisals and more for canal sites and other flood risk management assets. Please check out our website at www.rabconsultants.co.uk or contact us at enquiries@rabconsultants.co.uk for more information about our services.
