thumb Uffington GorseAs we head into Spring with the welcome appearance of snowdrops, crocuses and other flora, it has been over 12 months since the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust took over the Woodland Trust's lease for Uffington Gorse.

WBCT is committed to restoring the 200m of canal and towpath at Uffington Gorse and maintaining the beautiful woodland so that everyone can enjoy this special place.

The West Vale Branch's volunteer Wednesday morning work parties at Uffington Gorse have been very busy, making fantastic progress with tasks such as:

  • removing a large number of discarded tyres that have been taken to be recycled
  • removing trees from the canal and towpath and cutting the logs and brash
  • carrying out further investigations by digging trial pits at the Station Road end of the canal area to see if any remains of the old bridge can be located

By working to ensure the woodland's future, WBCT has been awarded a grant to create a 10-year woodland management plan that will be reviewed and assessed by the Forestry Commission. This plan, plus a tree safety survey, is expected to start in late May 2024.

The team at West Vale Branch is preparing to dig trial pits at at the tip area of the canal to understand its composition and investigate de-silting.  This will help us plan future restoration of the canal and towpath at Uffington Gorse. 

We continue to liaise with Uffington Parish Council and local residents.  We are very grateful for the support of the Parish Council in allowing us to cut Uffington Gorse perimeter hedges.

If you would like to join our team, or can offer any assistance with our plans, please contact us at westvale.branch@wbct.org.uk

Wishing you all a wonderful Spring 2024.

Clare Allen
Project Manager