Growing the Great Canal Orchard with hands-on volunteering

The day brought together colleagues from across the business to take part in a range of practical activities along the canal network.

The morning focused on tree planting, with the team successfully planting 30 trees across two locations at Locks 21 and 17. These sites mark the westernmost point of the Great Canal Orchard, as the Trust prepares to extend the project further north towards Stoke. The planting will contribute to the long-term vision of creating a continuous, thriving green corridor along the canal.

In the afternoon, attention turned to lock maintenance. Working at Locks 15 and 14, volunteers helped to repaint the lock structures in their traditional black and white heritage colours. This work supports the ongoing preservation of the canal’s historic features, ensuring they remain both functional and visually in keeping with their surroundings.

The day forms part of our continued partnership with the Canal & River Trust and our commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance local environments. It also aligns with the principles behind The Sea Starts Here, our campaign focused on raising awareness of how everyday actions can help protect waterways. ​​​​​​​

The volunteering day builds on the success of previous sessions and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting community-led environmental projects. As the Great Canal Orchard continues to grow, we’re proud to play a part in helping create a lasting legacy for future generations.