Clear Access Clear Waters (CACW) Grand Union Canal Tring 2nd June 2024
As we use the Grand Union Canal near Tring for AquaPaddle, crewed by davepaddles and A1 Sup Hire, it seemed appropriate to undertake our CACW contribution in that area. This time we chose the Wendover Arm section and met at the excellent Grand Junction Arms – an excellent pub, the kind of which we could do with locally in our area. Jai did the preparation and acquired and brought us the various tools required to collect rubbish, namely sacks, gloves and mechanical pickers.
We set off on our journey at 0900. As well as water support Graham, a non-paddling member, matched us from the bank walking alongside. He did well and collected the most items which points to land-based dumping as well as those on the water.
The first thing found was a heavy floating black sack containing beer cans, broken disposable razors and other detritus. This was quite heavy so was fished out and left on the bank for collection on our return trip. The task then continued on what turned out to be a very sunny, beautiful day.
While it was nice to paddle this section of the canal it was not a productive site for rubbish and we only ended up with a few half sacks and a large black plastic box. On reflection there were two reasons why there was less to pick up. Firstly, as this is a dead end it unlikely to have the same amount of traffic and use as a straight through canal or even have rubbish washed through. Secondly the reeds and bushes were abundant, making access to the side quite difficult in places.
Nevertheless, it was a nice paddle and we met up with a couple of groups from the local Chiltern Canoe/Kayak Club and stopped to have a chat with them. As well as paddlers we got some good feedback from walkers pleased with what we were aiming to do.
Overall, we paddled 6.5km. It was interesting to note that the section was dammed and had ‘men working’ signs on the adjacent bank before we even reached the end, so future plans are progressing. We need to measure get-in to dam to see if it will meet the five-kilometre AquaPaddle criterion, as it will make an interesting alternative, once the original section has been done a few times.
At the end Jai took the collected rubbish and recycled what he could, disposing of the remainder. So, a successful day as the canal was quite tidy and we enjoyed a nice paddle. Finally, well done Zoe for completing and passing her Paddle Start, being carefully watched by other paddlers; onwards and upwards.
Write up by CRH