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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 17h

At Gallows Wharf/Gallows Reach, our volunteers have tackled one of the trickiest vertical shuttering pours—concrete now in place!

They’ve also filled two more base sections and prepped the final one with mesh, ready for its turn with the mixer.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Construction site under a bridge beside a brick wall, showing red metal braces and wooden formwork supporting a concrete structure. The area is fenced off with metal barriers, and various tools and materials are scattered around. Excavated earth slopes down to the work zone, indicating active civil engineering work.

Concrete work in progress along a retaining wall with vertical rebar capped in yellow. Fresh concrete forms a narrow strip at the base, and adjacent slabs suggest a pathway or foundation. A Kubota excavator is parked nearby, with fencing and traffic signs in the background, highlighting ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Construction site showing vertical concrete panels and freshly poured slabs with protruding rebar capped in yellow for safety. A black plastic sheet covers part of the wall for moisture protection. The ground is reddish soil with tire tracks and scattered reinforcement materials, all beneath a nearby bridge structure.

Foundation work in progress beside a concrete wall with vertical rebar capped in yellow. A horizontal rebar grid is laid out in front, ready for concrete pouring. A black plastic sheet lines the wall, and a small excavator is parked on a freshly graded dirt path in the background.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 1d

Yesterday, nine volunteers from RAB Consultants joined us and tackled the canal bed, cleared weeds and cut back gorse—all the way from Fosseway Lane to Wood Lock and beyond.

The only thing that stopped them? Running out of petrol! 💪⛽

Massive thanks to the crew!

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Nine volunteers in high-visibility jackets pose for a group photo on a grassy area near Fosseway Heath. They stand in front of a metal fence by a lock, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background, marking the end of a productive canal restoration day.

A volunteer in high-visibility gear uses a long pole tool to remove vegetation from the walls of an empty lock at Fosseway Heath. The area is heavily overgrown, with vines and plants spilling over the walls. A metal pedestrian bridge crosses overhead.

Two volunteers in high-visibility jackets and red helmets use string trimmers to clear vegetation from the canal channel with a brick-edged towpath on one side, at Fosseway Heath. One works near the foreground wall; the other trims further down the path, surrounded by dense greenery and distant houses.

Two volunteers in high-visibility jackets work near a small brick structure with twin archways (the bywash) at Fosseway Heath. The structure is partially overgrown with vegetation, and autumn trees and a wooden fence form the backdrop. Overgrown grass and scattered litter are visible in the foreground.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 3d

It’s Monday—need a pick-me-up?

Take a look back at Huddlesford Heritage Gathering - the videos are now live on our HHG website! 🚤🚗🐾🎶

From boats and classic cars to animals, music, and muddy boots—it’s all there.

👉 heritagegathering.uk/video-gallery/

#UKCanals #FloatingTraders

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Reposted by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

John @postcards2025.bsky.social · 4d

Fosseway Nature Reserve, Lichfield
#Photography #Photo #Picture #Photographer
#PhotographersofBlueSky
#lichfield #Pictureoftheday
#Potd
#bnw #blackandwhite #monochrome
#classicmono #blackandwhitephotography

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 4d

... The other group got stuck in at Darnford Park clearing around our container, opening up footpaths, and removing self-seeded trees from the canal bed.

A brilliant morning’s work — even if a few of the youngsters ended up a bit muddy! 👏💚

Two volunteers in high-visibility vests work along a woodchip-covered trail surrounded by dense greenery. One person bends down to trim or clear vegetation, while another stands in the background with a dog, adding a friendly, casual touch to the scene. The setting suggests a community effort to maintain a natural path or park area.

Four volunteers in high-visibility vests work together in a wooded area, clearing vegetation along a dirt path. They use tools to cut back overgrowth, surrounded by shrubs, trees, and uneven terrain. The scene reflects a coordinated conservation or habitat restoration effort in a natural setting.

A volunteer wearing a high-visibility vest, helmet with ear protection, gloves, and athletic shoes uses a string trimmer to cut vegetation along a dirt path. The area is surrounded by grass, weeds, and trees, suggesting outdoor maintenance or landscaping work in a natural setting.

Two volunteers in high-visibility vests and gloves work in a densely vegetated area. One uses pruning shears to cut back brambles and undergrowth, while the other surveys the scene. Loppers lie on the ground nearby, and the setting is surrounded by trees, indicating a habitat restoration or conservation effort.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 4d

A sixteen-strong team (11 @dofe.org and 5 adults) split into two hardworking groups yesterday.

One group, in wellies, tackled the bywash beside lock 25 and trimmed back vegetation...

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#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Three volunteers in high-visibility vests work inside a narrow, curved brick-lined trench surrounded by overgrown vegetation (the bywash). They are clearing debris and vegetation. Stacks of bricks and wooden planks are nearby, and houses and parked vehicles are visible in the background.

Four volunteers in high-visibility vests and gloves remove vegetation and debris from a brick-lined bywash. Three stand in the bywash and one sits on the wall edge. They are actively engaged in cleanup. Pruning tools rest on the canal wall, and the area is surrounded by trees and greenery, suggesting a coordinated environmental conservation activity.

A group of volunteers work together to clear vegetation and debris from a narrow, overgrown brick-lined waterway (the bywash). One person in the foreground, wearing gloves and a grey shirt with high-viz vest, uses their hands to remove plants from the muddy water. The others are in the background, clearing further along the bywash.

A volunteer in full safety gear—helmet with face shield, ear protection, gloves, and high-visibility vest—uses a long pole hedge trimmer to cut back dense vegetation along a narrow brick-lined channel (the bywash). The area is surrounded by overgrowth, with tyres, wire, and wooden planks placed nearby, indicating ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 5d

At Tamworth Road Narrows, the first level of curved block and brickwork is complete, and our amazing volunteers are close to finishing the upper level too! 👏

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Curved brick wall under construction, with a platform of metal scaffolding and wooden planks in front of it. Partially laid bricks form a smooth curve, with a black tarp draped over part of the structure. Surrounding area shows exposed earth and additional bricks in gabion baskets.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 6d

This #WorldMentalHealthDay, do something good for your mind and your community 💚
Get outside, meet people and give back — volunteer with LHCRT!

lhcrt.org.uk/volunteering...

#WMHD #DoGoodFeelGood #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Six smiling volunteers in high-visibility vests pose outdoors under a blue sky, surrounded by trees. The text reads 'Volunteer with us,' promoting community involvement and teamwork.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 6d

We love these photos from Brian.

He says "Walking around Darnford Moors Ecology Park, the summer colour has gone but still plenty to see." 🌿

📷 Photos by Brian Caldicott

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Close-up of a leafy tree branch covered in small, round, yellow-orange fruits, possibly crabapples. The branch stretches diagonally across the foreground, with a grassy field, gentle hills, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Bright red poppy flower blooming among pale rocks and scattered green plants. The vivid bloom stands out sharply against the muted, stony background.

Tall mullein plant with multiple yellow flower spikes growing in a natural setting. Green shrubs and a dirt embankment form the background, while a bird soars across a partly cloudy sky above.

Two clusters of small, yellowish-brown mushrooms growing on the ground among green grass, moss, and scattered rocks. The fungi appear nestled in a forest-like setting, highlighting biodiversity and natural textures.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 7d

At Gallows Wharf, our volunteers have transferred the upstand formwork across to the first base they cast last week — ready for concreting next week! 💪

It’s tough, hands-on work! Well done for pressing on team!

#Lichfield #WeDigCanals

A construction worker in a high-visibility jacket and helmet adjusts metal and wood formwork for a concrete retaining wall. The formwork is reinforced with red braces and partially filled with concrete. The ground is reddish-brown with tire tracks, and a black plastic sheet lines a nearby brick wall. Metal fencing surrounds the site for safety.

A large cylindrical pipe runs beside a brick-and-concrete bridge, partially buried in a trench supported by wooden boards. Construction tools and materials—planks, rods, buckets, gloves—are scattered around. Safety barriers enclose the site, and a staircase leads up to the bridge’s higher level.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 8d

A fantastic team of five from our good friends at JLR joined us to clear the final stretch of canal bed — tackling brambles, weeds and gorse from both ends, and meeting in the middle with a handshake! 🌿👏

A brilliant effort and great teamwork.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Five individuals stand on a grassy area beside a brick wall and shrubs, posing with landscaping equipment including a hedge trimmer, brush cutter, and a heavy-duty “All-Terrain Mower 15.0 HP.” Four wear high-visibility yellow vests.The group appears cheerful and ready for outdoor work.

Three individuals in high-visibility vests and red helmets work together in a dense, green landscape, using brush cutters to clear thick undergrowth and ferns. The cloudy sky and lush surroundings suggest a coordinated environmental maintenance effort in challenging terrain.

A person operates a brush cutter on uneven terrain, surrounded by greenery and a partly cloudy sky. They wear full safety gear: red helmet, ear protection, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, gloves, and black trousers. The scene highlights safe vegetation management in a natural outdoor setting.

Two individuals in high-visibility vests shake hands and smile in front of dense greenery. One holds a brush cutter and wears protective gloves and a helmet with face shield; the other has sunglasses perched on their head. The scene conveys camaraderie and collaboration in an outdoor landscaping effort.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 9d

🍻 Test your trivia and raise a glass for the canal!

Join the Brew City Quiz Night – this Thursday 9 Oct.

🕔 Doors 5pm
🧠 Quiz 7pm
👥 Teams up to 6
💷 £2 per player (cash)

Cask ales, real ciders & plenty of laughs — all for a great cause!

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 10d

Lovely visit from retired Chartered Institute of Building members last week, guided by Derek Lord, who brought our restoration story to life. They were amazed by the progress from Tamworth Road Narrows to Gallows Reach!

(And no, that crane’s not ours — it’s next door! 😂)

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield 💙

A group of people in jackets and hats stand talking beside a calm canal. across A towering yellow crane looms over the site, where excavators and machinery work among stacks of bricks and concrete blocks. The area is fenced off, and dense foliage frames the scene on the right.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 10d

#UKCanals 😍

Matt @matt303.bsky.social · 19d

Here's a few photos from this morning's wander from Fradley Junction to Alrewas (Quarter Mile Bridge) and back. Finished off a roll of B&W in the Pentax then switched to my new OM-5(ii) which has been a joy to use. These are all from the OM-5, was a bit of a grey sky day.

#canal #photography

A green narrow boat passes on the canal on the left of the image after passing under a brick bridge.

Moored narrow boats, one call no.2 the other side with the bow of another boat this side of the canal on the left

One eye missing on this boat, a refloated wreck with one capsule shaped windows now missing.

Looking along the river Trent towards Alrewas from the far end of Quarter Mile Bridge which sits in the right hand side of the image

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 11d

Just a heron doing its thing—contemplative shoreline loitering one moment, then graceful takeoff the next. These quiet scenes remind us that restoration isn’t just about bricks and diggers—it’s about creating space for life to thrive.

@everyheron.bsky.social 🪶🌿
#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A heron stands poised on grassy terrain at the edge of a canal, surrounded by tall plants and dense foliage. The water is bordered by a concrete embankment. The peaceful setting highlights the bird’s quiet presence and the canal’s natural charm.

A large heron takes off into flight above a calm canal, wings curved as it leaves the ground. It is surrounded by greenery, with trees and reeds framing the tranquil scene. The heron’s motion adds a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the water.

A large heron glides just above a calm canal, wings fully outstretched in mid-flight. It is surrounded by greenery, with trees and reeds framing the tranquil scene. The heron’s motion adds a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the water.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 11d

Thanks to all our @dofe.org volunteers from @keslichfield.org.uk 👏

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 11d

It was fab to welcome four new DofE volunteers yesterday — seen here during their induction (with proud parents too!). 👏

Afterwards, they got to work and joined the team (plus Cllr Jacob Marshall) to help tidy up along the Gallows Reach Nature Trail. 👍

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

A group of volunteers seated in a small wooden-paneled room, engaged in a meeting. One person in an orange high-visibility jacket labelled “VOLUNTEER” is leading the discussion. Several attendees hold printed documents, while maps and diagrams are pinned to the wall behind them, suggesting event or site planning. The room has papers and supplies, indicating an active coordination space.

Volunteers in high-visibility vests working along a green, tree-lined path. One person in the foreground trims dense ivy from a wall of vegetation, while others are spaced out behind, engaged in similar environmental maintenance. The scene reflects community care and conservation in a lush, natural setting.

Four volunteers in high-visibility vests spread out along a hedge in a grassy area, each trimming foliage with tools. Trees and dense greenery surround the group, highlighting a coordinated outdoor effort in environmental upkeep or restoration.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 12d

The latest Towpath Times is bursting with exclusives — including a first look at the Tamworth Road lift bridge in action and how to get your hands on our limited-edition Christmas narrowboat t-shirts.

Sign up now and receive sneak peeks to your inbox!
👉 lhcrt.org.uk/membership/m...

#WeDigCanals

Promotional graphic for Towpath Times, the enewsletter of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. The top features the title in bold white text on a green background, with a blue subtitle strip below. Two construction site photos show canal restoration in progress, with workers in high-vis gear and heavy machinery; each has a red play button icon indicating video content. In the foreground, a smiling child in a bright blue t-shirt with a Christmas tree graphic makes a playful hand gesture, adding warmth and charm to the scene.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 12d

It was lovely to welcome Cllr Jacob Marshall, leader of Lichfield City Council, for a tour of Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and Gallows Reach and show him our progess. As a bonus, he even rolled up his sleeves and joined our Green Team in action!

#WeDigCanals

Two people stand in front of a metal fence enclosing a partially excavated area with exposed soil and brickwork. The person on the left wears a green and black jacket over a plaid shirt, with a beard and glasses. The person on the right wears a blue jacket and glasses, smiling at the camera. Behind them are trees and buildings.

A person wearing a high-visibility yellow vest, dark jacket, green trousers, and black gloves trims dense ivy using green-handled shears. They are focused on shaping the thick foliage, surrounded by lush greenery.

Four people wearing high-visibility vests work along a hedge, engaged in outdoor maintenance. One person uses a string trimmer on the grass, while the others trim foliage with hand tools. They are spaced out along the hedge, focused on shaping and clearing the greenery. The scene reflects teamwork and community care in maintaining public green space.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 13d

You've seen the photos, now we're thrilled to share the moment we officially named Bull Wood at Darnford Moors Ecology Park.

Hear the story and join us in celebrating this special occasion with Chris Bull.

🎥👇
youtu.be/nu9mAZe1CWY?...

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield 🌿

Naming Bull Wood at Darnford Moors Ecology Park

YouTube video by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

youtu.be

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 13d

Big effort at Gallows Wharf 💪 Volunteers continued the last 5m of the concrete base by wheelbarrow after we spotted movement on the big pipe. Safety first, teamwork all the way 👏

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Three volunteers in high-visibility jackets and hard hats stand near a deep trench lined with concrete walls and black plastic sheeting. Wooden planks span the trench as makeshift walkways. Wheelbarrows, pipes, and tools are scattered around the site, which is enclosed by brick walls and fencing.

Two volunteers in safety gear inspect a wooden framework beside a vertical concrete wall. One wears a white helmet and yellow vest, crouching near the structure; the other stands nearby in an orange jacket and red helmet. Yellow-capped metal rods protrude from the wall, which is partially covered in black plastic sheeting. The site is surrounded by dirt, tools, and fencing.

A construction site runs along a canal or waterway, with reddish-brown soil and scattered materials like wooden boards, pipes, and debris. On the left, black plastic sheeting and vertical rods show concrete preparation. A concrete pipe spans the centre. A bridge with vehicles and signage is visible in the background, while fencing and a brick wall enclose the site.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 14d

On Wednesday we welcomed 10 brilliant volunteers from Wells Fargo to Summerhill 🌿

One team cleared right through to the road, while another made progress towards the M6 Toll end.

Huge thanks for the fantastic support! 👏

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Ten volunteers in high-visibility vests pose beneath a green metal bridge supported by concrete pillars. Some stand, others sit on a concrete ledge surrounded by grass and trees. A few wear red shirts and work boots.

A person in a helmet with face shield, gloves, and a high-vis vest uses a brush cutter to trim tall grass and ferns in a dense, overgrown field. The cloudy sky and protective gear highlight safety during vegetation control in natural surroundings.

A volunteer in high-visibility yellow vests clearing overgrown vegetation, he is surrounded by thick greenery and tall grass.

Two volunteers in high-visibility yellow vests clearing overgrown vegetation on a grassy, sloped area. One person in the foreground uses a long-handled tool to cut through tall grass, wearing gloves and blue jeans. Another volunteer works further uphill.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 15d

Curious what we’ve been up to lately? Narrowboat Nige has got the full scoop!

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

youtu.be/oDvtph-IoGI?...

Lichfield Canal September 2025 update @LHCRT

YouTube video by Narrowboat Nige!

youtu.be

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 15d

Huge thanks to three brilliant Socotec volunteers who tackled the canal bed at Summerhill — the first time it’s been dry enough to access in ages! After lunch, they moved further along and strimmed the canal sides under blue skies. 🌿👏

Thanks #TeamSocotec

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Three volunteers wearing high-visibility vests and orange safety helmets kneel and sit in front of a wooden fence with a “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign. They smile after a day of canal restoration work, with grass and trees in the background.

Two volunteers in high-visibility vests work in dense greenery, clearing long leaves and undergrowth from the canal bed. One holds a bundle of cut plants while the other pulls vegetation from the soil, surrounded by foliage.

A volunteer in high-vis gear and a red helmet uses a motorized hedge trimmer to cut dense undergrowth on the sloped canal side. Surrounded by greenery, they focus on clearing vines and brush as part of canal restoration work.

Two volunteers in high-vis vests and orange helmets use strimmerls to clear vegetation along and empty canal channel. Ferns and greenery frame the scene, with blue skies and scattered clouds overhead.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 16d

Close to completing the lower wall on the offside at Tamworth Road Narrows – that’s as far as we can go until the new Cricket Lane bridge goes in next year.

Next steps: brick up the upper wall, extend the gabions, switch to the towpath side before finishing the handrail.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Curved brick and concrete wall under construction beside a canal. The lower section is made of grey concrete blocks with metal reinforcement rods, while the upper section features red bricks topped with a decorative blue brick layer. Scaffolding, a yellow cement mixer, and buckets line the site, with a dirt embankment and water channel in the background.

Scaffolding set up along a brick wall labeled 'LICHFIELD' beside a canal channel. A wooden walkway and metal supports for construction access. A steep earthen bank rises on one side, and houses and trees are visible in the background.

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