Michael Fabricant MP with Aiden Edwards, Christine Bull and David Edwards
Michael Fabricant MP with Aiden Edwards, Christine Bull and David Edwards

Lichfield’s MP has joined volunteers to plant thousands of saplings at a nature reserve in the city.

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has created the Fosseway Nature Reserve and Wetlands as part of the work to restore the waterways.

Michael Fabricant, who is also a patron of the trust, helped plant one of 2,000 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust.

“I was proud to screw on a Woodlands Trust plaque made by the 7th Lichfield Scouts who have helped plant some of these saplings.

“The Fosseway Nature Reserve and Wetlands demonstrate the varied use of canals. They are used not only by boaters, but also by people taking exercise or a stroll along the towpath and by the wildlife living in and alongside the canal. 

“The Lichfield and Hatherton Canal will open up access to the canal system in the Black Country and will provide an economic boost to the area when it is completed.”

Michael Fabricant MP

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Johnneo
4 years ago

Looks like mike really worked hard at his tasks, hope he did a full shift, or was he on a zero hours contract.

Darryl
4 years ago

It’s astonishing how much money has been pumped into this canal trust when they’re are so many charities crying out for funds and doing, arguably, more important work.

Richard
4 years ago

How much money had been pumped in so far, and by whom?

The Scribbler
4 years ago

Darryl – I refer my honourable friend to the post about our MP’s latest brush with “high office”.

As President for Life of the Commons Barge Holiday Appreciation Society (or something like that), he loves his waterways. So they get top billing in his list of stuff to plug and secure dosh for.

Philip Allso
4 years ago

You are right Darryl there are many, many charities vying for our money. It’s big business these days. Over 200,000 at the last count (200 for cats!). When you look at the salaries of the likes of The Royal British Legion, The National Trust and many others (often encompassing many levels and with perks) you realise that your contribution is spread far and wide.
The canal charity is not one of such and, like many conservation trusts, operates without paid staff and mainly volunteer labour. Where I live gives me ample oppertunity to observe their efforts and I think them laudable.
When finished it will be a tangible long term asset to both the city and wider canal users. While I join you in the lamentation of our ineffectual MP, I think the canal restoration is worthwhile.

Darryl
4 years ago

Philip

I wasn’t referring to major, national charities, but more localised charities which support struggling families routinely ignored by the local council due to the gutting of funds for these people.
It’s laudable that the LHCT is run by volunteers, but it draws on funds and donations which may have gone into critical services for people who, perhaps, can’t afford to eat or cloth their children, we’re getting to the stage where schools are begging for donations.
I don’t disagree it will be an asset but aside from a nice walk and potential mooring income for Waterways England, it’s a niche appeal to a small sector of people.

Philip Allso
4 years ago

Darryl
Well I heartedly agree about the need to support the welfare state, but I am at odds as to where the funding should be coming from. Whenever the government is challenged on these issues they trot out a stream of figures to show the support they are supposedly giving. I don’t know if these are verifiable but the overall situation dosen’t seem to change. It IS a question of priorities. There appears to be plenty of funding for vanity projects but not for essentials.
To some extent it might be argued that while the general public are footing the shortfall they needn’t bother. In fact much of the social services would flounder without the generosity of others. Make no mistake the welfare state is not a Tory liking. A USA type system would suit them better.
When you see the relentless charity adverts on television it makes you wonder if anything is properly funded. I am also concerned that they coerce some into giving who can ill afford it.
I honestly don’t have an answer. The issue is an insatiable one. But it is the individual who decides at the end of the day who and what to support. What is important often comes down to personal experiences.