The Canal & River Trust has installed a series of floating reedbeds on the Nottingham Beeston Canal as part of a drive to attract more wildlife into the city centre.
The Trust, is installing the reedbeds to bring some colour to the canalside and attract more birds and bugs.
The reedbeds are being installed in front of 48 Carrington St, next to the Nottingham Narrowboat Project, in front of Nottingham Magistrates Court and outside the Nottingham One development. The beds, which float on special pontoons, have been secured in place and special goose-proof fencing put up to protect them from hungry geese.
The beds will help to soften the edges of the canal walls and give the waterway a more natural feel – bringing more life into this historic part of the city. The reedbeds have been put in position with the help of a small team of volunteers from the Nottingham Narrowboat Project.
The charity hopes that local businesses will want to get involved and sponsor the installation of additional beds along the canal.
It’s part of the Trust’s work to make the canal more attractive to people and wildlife and support the city’s carbon neutral ambitions. In addition to the reedbeds the charity’s volunteers have also planted a linear wildflower meadow along the canal running parallel with London Road. The meadow will brighten up a previously drab grass bank as well as attracting bees and other pollinating insects.
Richard Bennett, heritage & environment manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The Nottingham Beeston Canal is a linear park running right through the city and it gives people living and working nearby a space to escape city life and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
“We want to make the canal a more attractive place for people and wildlife and these reedbeds will help to do that, softening the edges, providing some colour and attracting wildlife into the heart of the city.
“In doing so we’ll hopefully encourage more people to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being by water and help the city to achieve its green ambitions.”
To find out more about the work of the Canal & River Trust, including how you can support through volunteering or making a donation go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.
