Hi

We are about to start some work to replace broken lock gates along the city’s canal, and it’s very important that we do everything we can to protect the wildlife habitats in the surrounding hedgerow.

Canal hedgerows are some of our oldest waterway habitats, and part of the living landscape of the waterway corridor. More than that, they are lifelines for many wildlife species, providing food, shelter and places to breed. A rich diversity of plants, birds, mammals, pollinators and other insects can be found in hedgerows or at their base. Hedgerows can also act as corridors, joining up other habitats such as woodlands and grassland, and helping species to move through the landscape. The proximity of hedgerows to waterways adds to the value of the corridor, increasing the diversity of habitats within it and helping a wider range of wildlife species. Many hedgerows have been lost from the wider countryside over the last half century, making hedgerow resources more valuable than ever.

Canal hedgerows were frequently planted by the original canal companies in the 18th century, to protect the towpath from cattle and other livestock, making them some of the oldest established habitats on our waterways. Historically, the quick-growing and thorny hawthorn was used for most canal hedgerows, because it made a good stock-proof hedge.

We have agreed with our client that we will arrange for some volunteers to come and help with the repair and maintenance of the hedgerows while we complete the main lock repair project.

I have a task that needs completing, and I’d really like your help.

I would like you to help me gain support from our colleagues to participate in come Corporate Social Responsibility while we carry out the canal lock repair work. Write a social media post for our internal intranet to tell staff about the opportunity and encourage them to join in. 

I’ve included the resources you need to complete the task, including documents, images, videos and templates. They should give you plenty of ideas and information.

Follow the instructions, and when you’re ready, complete your task. All this should take you about 45 minutes.

When you’re finished with your task, you can learn more about the employers, job roles and projects in this area of construction.