****** UPDATE: Great news that in the last week the Canals and River Trust have now removed the sunken burnt out barge that had been a serious obstacle to other boats. Thanks to Dave Treadwell for the photos. Also we have had quite a few people say they would like to help with this community project but are still looking for more community-spirited people to come forward. *****
Many people around Acocks Green enjoy walking and exercising along our ancient waterway, the Grand Union Canal which runs adjacent to Westley Vale Millennium Green, Oak Meadow and through the Grade II listed Vineries Bridge. It almost feels like you are in the countryside here and that time has stood still. It is a place to escape our busy lives and enjoy peace and quiet, the views and the wildlife. Back in June a group of locals organised a litter pick along a stretch of canal and quite a few people got involved and took an interest in helping out. Litter is one of the main problems that blights this natural beauty spot. As a way to encourage local communities to take an interest in their local canal the Canals and Rivers Trust have launched a scheme to encourage local groups to take active role in looking after the waterways. For example this could be a guided walk, nature survey or litter-pick
Click on this link to read more about the scheme: The Canals and Rivers Trust Adopt a Canal Scheme . The campaign is based around the understanding that one activity takes place on the canal at least once a month. Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum is interested to see if local people who enjoy the benefit of having the waterway on their doorstep would like to sign up to be part of this working group. Just a few hours a month would be enough to have the official backing by the Canal and Rivers Trust. As well as improving your local neighbourhood, it gives people the opportunity to get to know others in the area and get some fresh air and exercise. Are you interested? Please contact us by responding to this post or the Contact Us page. We can then go from there. Your details will be kept confidential and not be published on this site (unless you specifically wish us to.).
Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum 
Hello. Please add me to the list of people who would be willing to help keep the canal area clean.
That’s great Bryan, will do and will be in touch.
Hi, I also walk my dog in this area and help with the litter when i can. It would be a much more positive and safe experience if we could do this is a part of a group.
Charlie
Great! Will be in touch. Thanks.
Hi, I use the towpath to walk my dog daily, and often litter pick on my travels, would be more than happy to sign up to becoming part of a group
Hello Eileen
That’s great news, thanks for the offer, we will keep you informed.
Ged Hughes
Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum
my nephews are very interested in helpin in your canal clean up
how do they get details on how to help
Hi – That’s great thanks. We will be in touch by email when we progress with the project. Make sure you follow this website for any updates.
Ged Hughes
Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum
Hello, I’m interested in helping look after a stretch of the canal. Please keep me informed. Can you also add artsintheyard@gmail.com to your mailing list Thanks Nicola
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:36:56 +0000 To: nicolatoms@hotmail.com
Thanks Nicola. You can sign up to email alerts from this blog. I will keep you updated about developments on the Canal Project.