Lock 15 Canal Gardens Prosper

For a number years, originally with the formal support of British Waterways, the waste land at Lock 15 has been maintained and used by a number of Audlem residents to grow flowers and edible plants.

They converted what was a unkempt area into gardens and vegetable plots that have become well known by canal users and walkers alike. Most people going past stop to congratulate the gardeners and say what a good use of the area it is.

The Canal and River Trust (the current body entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales) have a very good website that makes a number of statements very much in keeping with the ethos of the Audlem Lock 15 Gardeners:

• "Encouraging biodiversity by creating new wildlife habitats"
• "Keeping our waterways alive we can ensure that visitors will always enjoy the boats, wildlife and sense of community."

Some of the well-wishers have obviously read the C&RT website as they are very complimentary about the gardens and about C&RT supporting bio-diversity by continuing to allow these activities to continue on their watch.

In addition, Audlem's well established Sustainability group, ADAPT, have welcomed the use of canal wasteland for the gardens.

AudlemOnline would like to congratulate C&RT for their support. Lock 15 is a very important entry point for visitors to Audlem, being close to the large and popular Overwater Marina, as well as near the docking point for the renowned 'Audlem Lass' canal passenger service.

"It would be such a shame if this area was to be allowed to decline back to the mess that it used to be" said one of the gardeners, adding: "C&RT are to be congratulated on their attitude as described on their website".

At the moment, one part of the Lock 15 area needs some additional gardeners to help restore it to the same level as the rest of the area. Contact editor@audlem.org and we will put you in touch with the current crop of gardeners.

The two photos capture the difference between the cultivated and uncultivated areas.

It would be very useful for the Canals & River Trust to publicly state their support for this activity in Audlem so that more people can help to provide enjoyment for canal users as well as ensuring the Lock 15 gardens continue to prosper.

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