Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 40m

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 · 23h

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 · 2d

🍻 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 · 2d

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 · 3d

#UKCanals 😍

Matt @matt303.bsky.social · 11d

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 · 3d

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 · 3d

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

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

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 · 4d

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 · 4d

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 · 5d

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 · 6d

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 · 7d

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 · 7d

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 · 7d

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 · 9d

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

At Gallows Reach, our amazing volunteers have dug out the area for two more bases and are ready for this week’s concrete pour.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

A volunteer in a high-vis jacket and green hard hat stands beside a steel rebar framework resting across wheelbarrows, with shuttering panels and bracing props in the background.

A volunteer in an orange high-vis jacket and white hard hat applies protective sheeting around exposed steel reinforcement bars along a concrete wall, with tools and timber boards nearby.

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

Chris Bull unveiled a plaque at Darnford Moors Ecology Park, honouring her years of leadership and biodiversity work along the Lichfield Canal. 🌿

She was applauded by past and present volunteers, and the current @dofe.org cohort who keep the ecology park shipshape.

#WeDigCanals #Staffordshire

Chris stands beside the “Bull Wood” sign in a woodland area, wearing a grey jacket and light sweatshirt with an LHCRT badge. Behind her are tall trees and a moss-covered brick lock structure. The sign features photos and text about Bull Wood’s history and conservation.

Fourteen people stand together in a wooded area, most wearing yellow high-visibility vests. Two older individuals in the centre use walking aids and are not in uniform, suggesting they are special guests. A display board and white chairs hint at an organized community or restoration event.

A group of people seated outdoors in a wooded area, attentively facing a small group of presenters near a yellow canopy tent. Fallen leaves cover the ground, suggesting autumn. The event is informal and community-focused.

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

Saturday night is always good for movie night - check out the latest video from @courtabovethecut.bsky.social with special guest Narrowboat Nige.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Court Above The Cut @courtabovethecut.bsky.social · 11d

As always there’s absolutely amazing progress on the @lhcrt.org.uk tonight I meet Narrowboat Nige to see the incredible work done by the volunteers. It’s looking great!

youtu.be/tKVfOCu-Evo

Breaking Boundaries on the Lichfield Canal

YouTube video by Court Above The Cut

youtu.be

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

Friday saw three amazing Capita volunteers join our Green Team at Summerhill – clearing the canal bed and tackling invasive gorse. 🌿💪

Big thanks for swapping desks for power tools!

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

Three smiling individuals stand in front of a wooden fence with a painted “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign, featuring a canal tunnel and towpath. It has a grassy outdoor setting with trees.

Volunteers in high-visibility gear carry out vegetation management in a grassy, overgrown area.

Volunteers in high-visibility gear carry out vegetation management in a grassy, overgrown area. One older individual rakes ferns and undergrowth while others operate brush cutters near dense shrubs.

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

On Thursday, five brilliant volunteers from Tara Group joined our Green Team at Summerhill 🌿

Together they helped clear the canal bed and trim back hedgerows – a big boost for the restoration in just one afternoon.

Thanks #TeamTara! 💪

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Four volunteers in high-visibility vests stand proudly in front of a wooden fence with a “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign, featuring a canal boat motif. The foreground is grass and there is a tree-lined background.

A volunteer in a colourful jacket, blue jeans, gloves, and high-vis vest trims a hedge with shears along a grassy towpath. A field, fence, and trees stretch into the background, capturing a moment of quiet dedication in canal-side conservation.

Two volunteers in high-vis vests take a cheerful selfie beside a red and black DR All-Terrain Mower on a freshly cut grassy towpath. One holds a camera, while others in the background continue maintenance work. A wooden fence and dense greenery frame the scene.

Two volunteers in full safety gear—helmets, ear protection, gloves, and high-vis vests—clear overgrown vegetation with a brush cutter and walk-behind mower. The grassy site is dense and wild, highlighting the effort and teamwork behind canal restoration.

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

Thank you! It's good to know that it's useful.

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

At Gallows Wharf, in true civil engineering style, our volunteers have built some reinforcing walls and then buried them!

It's only temporary though - just so they can cross the Big Pipe with the large machine and complete the concrete reinforcing and the base slab.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

Two volunteers in orange high-visibility gear stand on a freshly compacted dirt path with visible tire tracks, leading under a bridge. On the left, a concrete retaining wall with yellow safety caps on protruding rebar is partially covered in black plastic sheeting. A large pipe runs parallel to the path on the right, with a brick wall and construction materials nearby. Metal fencing lines the left side for safety. Trees and a partly cloudy sky frame the scene.

An orange excavator rests on reddish soil in front of a tunnel entrance. The ground shows tire tracks and scattered construction debris. A brick and concrete retaining wall runs alongside the site, draped in black plastic sheeting with yellow-tipped rods protruding. Safety fencing tops the wall, and tools and materials are visible throughout the area.

Three volunteers in high-visibility clothing and hard hats are on site, with one operating a small excavator on a dirt surface beside a newly built brick and concrete wall. Behind the wall, a metal fence separates the site from a wooded area. A section of the wall is covered with black plastic sheeting.

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

We had a visit from two YouTube legends yesterday!

Keep your eyes peeled—new videos will be no doubt be on the way from @courtabovethecut.bsky.social and Narrowboat Nige.

Thanks for dropping by and shining a spotlight on us.

#Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Two individuals stand on a dirt path surrounded by greenery, wearing safety gear. The person on the left wears a blue hard hat, yellow safety vest, and a black graphic t-shirt. The person on the right wears a white helmet and an orange high-visibility shirt. Both are smiling.

Two people pose on a leafy dirt path under a partly cloudy sky, dressed in safety gear. The person on the left wears a bright orange and white outfit with knee-high boots and holds a helmet. The person on the right wears a yellow vest over a black shirt and jeans, smiling and pointing at the camera. The scene conveys camaraderie and outdoor project involvement.

Two individuals in safety gear stand outdoors in front of dense greenery and exposed soil, engaged in discussion. The person on the left wears an orange high-visibility shirt and white helmet, holding a device that resembles a drone controller. The person on the right wears a blue helmet, yellow vest, and black graphic t-shirt, holding a black camera.

Two people stand on a wooden platform supported by metal scaffolding in front of a partially restored brick wall. One wears an orange vest and white helmet, the other a yellow vest and blue helmet. A ladder leans against the scaffolding, and a black tarp covers part of the area above.

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

Our brilliant volunteers are finishing the offside wall at Tamworth Road Narrows, just before the canal widens and dips under Cricket Lane.

This is as far as we can go until the culvert goes in. So the team will shift to Gallows Reach to continue on the other side.

#WeDigCanals #Lichfield

A curved wall along a canal at Tamworth Road Narrows. The wall follows a newly poured concrete base, with red soil and excavation exposing the earth behind. Tools and equipment, including a wheelbarrow and concrete mixer, are scattered around the site.

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