Dedicated volunteers clock up more than 3,000 hours

A modest group of volunteers are quietly celebrating passing a milestone of 3,000 hours working on keeping a Saddleworth village litter free.

The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) spent a moment to note in July they passed the milestone since starting their mission at the end of 2015.

Said their spokesperson: ”We are all feeling rather proud of this achievement which most certainly includes the clear commitment by local people, businesses and visitors for their part on keeping our beautiful village litter-free, valuing the open space to walk, cycle or to sit and protecting the local wildlife.

“We have met so many people over the years, listened to their lovely feedback, which gets a sense of the passion people have for looking after this incredibly precious environment.

“We would like to say a huge and sincere ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in achieving this; for your generous commitment of time, support and inspiration.

"We always feel that, in combining our efforts, we achieve something rather amazing and very special with, and for, our community.”

Feeling elated and valuing what was a warm, sunny and dry day, the group set about their latest respective assigned activities, including focussing on vegetation clearance.

Armed with the appropriate equipment, they set off to tackle the low overhanging trees and vegetation along the towpath running alongside the canal in Uppermill.

They prioritise this activity, to prevent harm to passing walkers or cyclists.

They place the cleared branches into woodpiles to create a habitat and homes for the wildlife to thrive.

A further activity included tending various flower beds along the towpath.

The volunteers focussed mainly on tidying toepath flower beds, leaving several stems with seed heads for birds to enjoy in the Autumn.

They concluded with a regular litter pick, noting litter alongside the canal towpath now has decreased so significantly over the years.

You can join the volunteers on September 10 and 29,October 8 and 20; November 3 and 26, and December 8.

UCAN meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate Street [by the canal bridge], Uppermill at 10am, but sometimes this varies so they will confirm nearer to each date. 

As usual, all equipment will be provided by the Canal and River Trust (CRT).

Volunteers are recommended to wear suitable clothing and stout footwear for the weather conditions on the day.

They are always pleased to welcome new volunteers and anyone who would like further information please contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email: peterkillan@hotmail.com

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