Good Energy volunteers praised for "enthusiastic" work on Wilts & Berks Canal

The restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal received a welcome boost after a team of Good Energy volunteers swapped deskwork for digging. 

Staff from the Wiltshire renewable energy company lent their support to the creation of a new woodland and wildflower meadow alongside a section of the former waterway between Melksham and Chippenham. 

They helped with protecting hedgerows, sowing seeds and planting trees along the stretch near Lacock, part of which has already been restored. 

Their work forms part of a larger project by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to create a new wildlife corridor. 

The visit was hosted by the charity’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch. 

Branch wildlife officer Howard Yardy, from Melksham, said: “We were delighted to welcome such an enthusiastic team and are grateful for their support. 

“They threw themselves into their work and completed in a few hours what would otherwise have taken us several days without the extra pairs of helping hands. 

“We hope it will encourage other local businesses to get involved, quickening the pace of restoration and providing an even more attractive amenity for the local community.” 

Good Energy sustainability and facilities manager Cherish Jackson said: “We want to power a cleaner and greener future, so we were keen to support a local project which is boosting biodiversity. 

“We were joined by colleagues from sales, finance and customer operations and they all enjoyed the experience.  

“It was fascinating to learn more about the history of the canal and how it’s being restored, and to play our own small part in bringing it back to life. 

“Everyone’s eager to return!”