THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) West Country Branch has adopted a large stretch of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal under the navigation authority Canal & River Trust’s (CRT) volunteer scheme.

It has held regular work parties along the canal for more than year, with volunteers giving over 1,000 hours of their time to help maintain and improve the waterway for all users.

Volunteers can often be seen completing tasks, from painting and litter picking to bulb planting and hedgelaying.

The Branch has now taken the steps to adopt three sections of the canal in an effort to maintain and improve the areas.

They are: Bridgwater Docks and the Canal from there to Bridge 6, Taunton Road Bridge; from Old Taunton Road Bridgwater Bridge 7 to Huntworth Bridge 12; and Bridge 29 near Bathpool to Firepool Lock Taunton, including lockside areas.

If you are interested in volunteering to support the the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, contact the Branch Volunteers Co-ordinator at mike.slade@waterways.org.uk